Alexander Gustafsson open to Anthony Johnson fight: ‘Can’t wait to show you what Battlefield feels like’

By Guilherme Cruz  @guicruzzz on Sep 4 2014, 3:00p




Alexander Gustafsson won’t sit and wait for his UFC title shot, and he’s targeting an Octagon return in January against fellow light heavyweight contender Anthony Johnson.
"The Mauler," who stopped Jimi Manuwa in his first bout since losing a close decision toJon Jones in 2013, accepted "Rumble’s" challenge.

"Anthony Johnson, there is no one hiding from anyone here," Gustafsson posted onMikz. "We are both professional fighters and fighting is what we do for living. I know it is frustrating not getting response when you are challenging someone, therefore, I will not turn you down. I will be fully recovered within a couple of weeks so anytime in January and forward I will be ready to fight you.




"Now it is up to the UFC to put this fight together. I can’t wait to sign the bout agreement my friend and show you what Battlefield feels like."
The winner of Gustafsson vs. Johnson would likely earn a shot at the UFC light haevyweight championship against the winner of Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier, scheduled for UFC 182 on Jan. 3.




http://www.mmafighting.com/2014/9/4/6107291/alexander-gustafsson-anthony-johnson-battlefield-mma-news

That's nice of Gus to accept the challenge, but it might not be the best move for him.

AJ is more powerful and hits much harder than Jones.

JD wrote:

That's nice of Gus to accept the challenge, but it might not be the best move for him.

AJ is more powerful and hits much harder than Jones.

I agree... I don't think this is in Gustafsson's best interest.

If Anthony Johnson lands a shot to Gustafsson's jaw, it's gonna be goodnight Gus... but I think this is what Jon Jones was hoping for.

Either way though, Jonny Boner is in for a series of tough opponents.

He's got Cormier in January, and IF he survives that one coming out with a win, Gus has been "promised" the next shot at Jones... but will that really make sense if Anthony Johnson gets the win ?

Touching him up will be the thing though. Gus has amazing movement, whereas Rumble doesn't. He just kind of plods. That is one of the things I have noticed about Rumble at LHW, and possibly could keep him from ever getting the title.

Yeah, I can see that as well... but I think he's like that for 2 reasons, number 1 he's sure of punching power and number 2 by stalking and plodding the way he does he derives maximum power from his punches.