Gustafsson willing to move up to heavyweight to fight Cormier
Alexander Gustafsson: “To sacrifice so much with dieting and food and then going down to face me? I think I will have to move to heavyweight to get a piece of DC again.”
UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier moved up to heavyweight and became the champ champ. He plans two final title defenses, one early in 2019 vs. Brock Lesnar, and one later this year vs. TBA. #1 contender Alexander Gustafsson spoke recently with MMANytt and explained that he is determined to be TBA.
The two fought at UFC 192 on October 3, 2015, with Cormier winning a Split Decision in a successful title defense that won Fight of the Night.
It’s frustrating because he has something I want, said Gustafsson, as transcribed byJed Meshew for MMA Fighting. He doesn’t come back down and face me and he’s keeping the belt. But at the same time, the hunt isn’t over. … I might continue chasing [DC]. If I need to move up to heavyweight to face him, I will.
The idea that Brock Lesnar may get a title shot coming off back to back losses in 2010-2011. Worse, in a return fight, Lesnar failed an anti-doping test, and the bout was changed to No Contest.
It’s not fun and pretty ridiculous in my opinion, said Gus. I don’t see the logic in this fight. It’s only a money fight [because] Brock has a big following from wrestling.
I understand DC though. He wants to make money. It’s a better fight for his wallet, fighting Brock instead of going down to fight me. It’s a way bigger risk to fight me.
Cormier has said, with an undetermined level of trolling, that if ‘Shogun’ Rua beats Anthony Smith at UFC Fight Night 134 on Sunday, the Brazilian may get the title shot.
It’s funny, it’s clear he doesn’t want to face me, said Gustafsson. First of all, he is never coming back down to light heavyweight. He is struggling to stay at heavyweight. DC is a big boy, as tall as he is wide. I don’t think he will go down again. He loves food and loves to eat. To sacrifice so much with dieting and food and then going down to face me? I think I will have to move to heavyweight to get a piece of DC again.
DC is smart and he’s a big inspiration for me. Thirty-nine years old and two belts. I can’t really trash the guy and I can’t really have beef with him. I think he’s great in every way, it just sucks that he has my belt. Let’s see how we solve it.
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