Alexander Gustafsson's next fight will likely be against UFC comeback fighter Anthony Johnson. "Rumble", on the other hand, claims that "The Mauler" became an overnight celebrity after facing Jon Jones.
While Alexander Gustafsson's next fight has yet to be made, "Rumble" Johnson's name came up as the next challenger for the former number one title contender of the UFC's light heavyweight division. Both fighters have been trading verbal barbs through various interviews as of late.
The trash talking began from the side of Gustafsson, who claimed that "Rumble" does not deserve to fight him just yet and instead, needs to earn a few more fights in the UFC.
"Since his return to the UFC after being kicked out, he has beaten Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, who passed his expiration date a long time ago, and Phil Davis," Gustafsson told Swedish publication Expressen. "He needs at least a couple wins more. We are not in the playground anymore, it's not about who is the toughest, it's about my career."
But since "The Mauler" will not be fighting against Jon Jones anytime soon, he eventually agreed to face "Rumble," targeting January 2015 as a possible date.
"Anthony Johnson, there is no one hiding from anyone here," Gustafsson said. "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."
"Rumble", on the other hand, went on to criticize "The Mauler", whom he claims became an overnight celebrity after his title fight against Jon Jones at UFC 165 in September 2013.
"You were just an average Joe, just like me, until you fought Jon," Johnson said about Alexander Gustafsson's next fight. "You gave Jon a great fight, now the whole world knows who you are. You're like an overnight celebrity."
"That's what happens when you go in there and fight your ass off," he continued. "But don't try to belittle me. You didn't win; don't make it seem like you're the champion and you can say those type of things."
