Throughout his UFC career Anthony Johnson has typified the "strong, silent type" description, as he was never one to call out opponents or do much talking in the media. But as of late, Johnson has been very vocal about who he'd like to fight next: Alexander Gustafsson.
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Johnson, the fast-rising contender in the light heavyweight division, is still waiting to find out who his next opponent will be. So he took to Facebook to call out Gustafsson, a former number-one contender:
Johnson may have a point there. Light heavyweight champion Jon Jones won't defend his title until Jan. 3 when he faces Daniel Cormier at UFC 182. UFC president Dana White has stated that Gustafsson may have to take another fight in the meantime, and there aren't any other top contenders available besides Johnson.
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The Swede was initially upset that he wasn't reinserted into the title fight, threatening to sit out and await the winner. But Gustafsson has since softened his stance after being promised an immediate title shot no matter the outcome in January. He said he'd be willing to take another fight, but he doesn't seem too impressed with "Rumble."
"I have fought both worse and better opponents," Gustafsson told Swedish outlet Expressen. "Had that fight taken me somewhere I had been the first to accept. Since his return to the UFC after being kicked (out), he has beaten Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, who passed its [expiration] date a long time ago, and Phil Davis. He needs at least a couple wins more."
Johnson was cut by the UFC a few years ago for constantly missing weight when he competed as in the welterweight and middleweight divisions. Since returning earlier this year at 205 pounds, Johnson has looked great, his last win over Nogueira coming by first-round knockout. Still, Gustafsson doesn't seem to believe facing Johnson would be beneficial to his career.
"We are not in the playground anymore, it's not about who is the toughest, it's about my career, I want to have a long and successful career," he said. "You have to think tactically and you can't just go in and swing against the first best opponent."
Johnson has since responded, saying he's not sure what Gustafsson is talking about:
Does a Johnson vs. Gustafsson fight make sense? Let us know at @SportsWN and @doricsam83.
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