The Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson rematch is facing another issue as "Bones" expresses his refusal to fight "The Mauler" in his home country of Sweden.
There has been a tug-o-war between the two camps right before the match was finalized. Initially, it was Alexander Gustafsson who immediately agreed to the fight the moment the company executives made the announcement.
Meanwhile, Jon Jones kept everyone hanging for a while by not agreeing to the fight right away. This urged "The Mauler" to issue a public challenge to the reigning UFC light heavyweight champion.
"Jon 'Bones' Jones, be a man, be a champ and sign that bout agreement and stop running," Gustafsson said in a statement released through Facebook. "Keep in mind that after I beat you and become the champ I might be doing the same to you when you chase me for a rematch, as a revenge for not accepting my challenge."
"Bones" did eventually agree to the Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson rematch, explaining that he was not avoiding "The Mauler", but he just wanted a later date to be able to attend his brother's wedding.
The UFC has scheduled the Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson rematch for September 27th, although contrary to initial reports about a final venue, they are choosing among three places: Las Vegas, Toronto, and Stockholm.
Jon Jones immediately opposed to the idea of having a fight in Sweden.
"It won't be Sweden. No chance," Jones told The MMA Hour. "I have no reason to. I'm the champ and he's the challenger, I don't find it appropriate for me to go to his back yard."
"Bones" also criticized the UFC for what he described as a "bullying technique" to make him agree to the fight.
"I thought it was unprofessional, I thought it was a bullying technique, bully style, I don't know what it was," Jones added. "But it is what it is."
Despite these recent statements from the champion, the Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson fight is still on. For "Bones'" part, the venue should be either Las Vegas or Canada.
"Either one of those locations is fine with me," he added.
