Two of the most dangerous contenders in the UFC’s light heavyweight division will square off early next year to see who gets the next crack at championship gold.
Anthony Johnson, who has been on a tear since the UFC cut him in January 2012, will take on former 205-pound title challenger Alexander Gustafsson at UFC on FOX 14 – in front of “The Mauler’s” Stockholm, Sweden home crowd.
The UFC initially announced the bout on their Instagram page and later added an elaborate story on UFC.com.
“This is going to be an epic event,” Gustafsson said. “I want more than 30,000 fans to come and witness me win on January 24. Then I’m going to go and get the title! My journey back to the top starts now.”
Although he will not be enjoying a home field advantage, “Rumble” also expressed excitement for the upcoming title eliminator bout.
“This fight might be on his home turf, but I’m ready to go over to Sweden and prove that I’m the next in the line for the UFC light heavyweight title,” Johnson said.
“I’m not intimidated by fighting in front of Alex’s hometown fans. I’m going to go in there and look for the knockout like I do in all of my fights. I can’t wait for this!”
Gustafsson fought light heavyweight champ Jon Jones in a five-round classic at UFC 165 in September of last year, losing a controversial decision that had fight fans begging for an immediate rematch.
However, Jones ended up squaring off with Glover Teixeira next, easily outworking him en route to a clear-cut decision at UFC 172 in April.
A month prior, Gustafsson re-established himself as one of the division’s brightest stars by knocking out previously unbeaten Jimi Manuwa at UFC Fight Night 37.
Gustafsson recently expressed an interest in waiting for the winner of Jones vs. Daniel Cormier at UC 182 on January 3, but has clearly had a change of heart.
Meanwhile, Johnson, who used to miraculously compete at welterweight, is riding an eight-fight win streak (six knockouts) at weight classes between a 195-pound catchweight and heavyweight.
Johnson was previously linked to a matchup with Gustafsson, but was briefly suspended but the UFC as they investigated a domestic violence claim against him.
However, the Blackzilian team member was reinstated earlier this week after the case was dropped.