Alexander Gustafsson has competed against former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones once before, suffering a unanimous decision loss to him at UFC 165.
The fighter sits at #1 in the UFC Light Heavyweight Division Rankings, which makes him a prime candidate for the next shot at champion Daniel Cormier. However, one thing Gustafsson wants is another shot at Jones, which he believes is bigger than a third opportunity at the title.
“Fighting him and beating him, that’s bigger than taking the belt right now, that’s how I feel,” said Gustafsson on The Joe Rogan Experience MMA Show. “Look at what he did to DC. And DC is tough. He finished DC. That’s just insane.”
Jones is currently on the shelf as he awaits punishment from USADA for a failed drug test in line with UFC 214.
Gustafsson wouldn’t mind having a boxing match with Jones, assuming that he couldn’t get a bout with the former champion in the UFC anytime soon.
“If he doesn’t come back, maybe I fight him in boxing,” Gustafsson said. “It’s bigger than winning the belt.”
Neither Jones or Gustafsson have had any professional boxing matches in the past, but Jones troubled past with USADA may also prevent the two from competing in that medium as well.
