Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson II set for UFC 178 in Toronto

The rematch is on, and it’s taking place in Canada.

UFC officials today announced that UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, despite previously expressing interest in instead facing Daniel Cormier, has agreed to face Alexander Gustafsson in the headlining bout of UFC 178.

It was previously announced that UFC 178 takes place Sept. 27 at Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The evening’s main card airs on pay-per-view.

UFC officials had previously announced they were targeting a UFC 177 slot on Aug. 30 for the contest, but Jones’ prior commitments led him to ask for a later date.

“I think Cormier is the tougher fighter, but the fans want to see me fight Gustafsson,” Jones stated. “There was never an issue with taking the Gustafsson fight. The issue was that my brother is getting married in July, and I would have preferred a later date. I didn’t want to go this early, and I would have preferred to go later in October or November.

“It is what it is. We have a date now, Sept 27. This was a personal decision for me. I will be at my brother’s wedding and have a proper training camp.”

While it’s currently unknown if Cormier will take another fight in the interim or wait his turn, instead, UFC President Dana White confirmed “DC” is up next if Jones is able to repeat his victory over Gustafsson.

“Obviously, Jon is right: This if the fight the fans want to see,” White stated. “The great thing about this is we get Jones vs. Gustafsson, and if Jones beats Gustafsson, we get Jones vs Cormier. Two great fights in the light heavyweight division with three of the baddest guys in the world – the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world and champion Jon Jones and the No. 1 and No. 2 contenders.”


Mma junkie.com

Uncultured swine, they should've put Jones in Gustafsson's backyard.

at dana

So I see Jones is back to being Dana's pound-for-pound best fighter. This isn't hot potato, Dana.