UFC
UFC Champ Jon Jones thinks Alexander Gustafsson closing in on title shot
Apr 26, 2012 - 11:15:56 AM UFC Champ Jon Jones thinks Alexander Gustafsson closing in on title shot

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Following a win over Thiago Silva at UFC on Fuel 2 earlier this month, Alexander Gustafsson was showered with praise from many corners, with some comparing him favorably to UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones.

In the lead up to his own April fight last week at UFC 145, Jones commented on that comparison, and while he disagrees with those who find similarities between the two, he did express respect for the young Swede, and expects to see him get a title shot soon.

"I don't think it's appropriate people are comparing us," Jones at the final pre-fight press conference for UFC 145 (transcribed by MMAWeekly.com. "The only similarities that we have is we're both tall, and that's it. We're completely different athletes. I have a wrestler base where I shoot and throw from the clinch, I kick fast and accurate; he has really great boxing."

"I think he's pretty close to a title shot. I think maybe if he wins two more fights against some top guys, maybe like Lyoto [Machida] or Rashad [Evans] or somebody, somebody that can push him in different categories."

Jones feels Gustafsson's got very little left to prove before earning his shot, but there were a couple of specific types of fights he expects to see Gustafsson get past before he gets his shot.

"I'd like to see him against another wrestler and I would like to see him against a worthy striker. Then I think a title shot would be very appropriate," Jones said.

"I like his demeanor, though. He has some swagger. He exudes winning from the second he steps in the cage. I think the kid has the potential to be a star."

Penick's Analysis: Jones and Gustafsson just might be headed for a collision later this year, as Jones faces his next challenger in Dan Henderson this summer. Gustafsson may be next in line should he score one more victory, and we'll see what the two of them have to offer one another inside the cage. The two of them are both very young, and immensely talented, and a title fight between the two could be one of the great battles of this next generation of fighters.

[Jon Jones art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]