The UFC is set to return to Stockholm, Sweden, this time with a stadium show that could prove to be one of the biggest events in the promotion’s history. The headlining bout features Alexander Gustafsson against Anthony Johnson in a title eliminator bout to determine the next challenger for Jon Jones’ light-heavyweight crown.
After spending the majority of 2014 on the sidelines nursing a injury and then waiting for a title shot that he was eventually passed over for, Gustafsson is grateful to find himself at such a big event in front of his hometown crowd.
“It has been a crazy ride,” Gustafsson told MMAFighting.com’s Ariel Helwani. “I had fun. I’ve worked hard to get to where I am at today and I’m feeling great.”
Following his win against Jimi Manuwa in London, Gustafsson was initially penciled in to face Jones at UFC 178 in Las Vegas. However, he was forced to pull out with a torn meniscus, which is how Daniel Cormier was brought into the picture.
Although the fight was eventually moved to UFC 182, Gustafsson was still kept on the sidelines and was forced to watch the title fight instead of participate in it.
“I watched the fight. It was a great fight. Jon took it to DC and did a great job. I want to fight Jon Jones, and if I fight for the title I want to fight him.”
With the opportunity to set the rematch against Jones, Gustafsson admitted that he is in the best physical shape of his life and ready to perform in front of his adoring fans.
“I am in the best shape of my life. “
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