White: Jones in contract negotiation, Gustafsson rematch not set
“We didn’t announce it,” clarified UFC president Dana White. “I said we’re shooting for August 30. That’s the date we want for Jones-Gustafsson.”
ZUFFA CEO Lorenzo Fertitta recently told ESPN.com that Alexander Gustafsson had signed a rematch with UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones at UFC 177 on August 30.
The UFC duplicated the information on UFC.com and tweeted to millions, leading some to conclude that the fight was a done deal.
It isn’t – Jones has not signed yet.
We didn’t announce it, clarified UFC president Dana White. I said we’re shooting for August 30. That’s the date we want for Jones-Gustafsson.
We just signed Gustafsson to a new deal, and Jones is getting a new deal, too. We’re doing a new deal with him.
White said if the UFC and Jones do not come to agreement in time for UFC 177, it could take place later, in Gustafsson’s native Sweden.
With the loss of Barao Saturday night, Jon Jones is the undisputed Pound For Pound best fighter in mixed martial arts, which leaves him in a powerful position. Going forward, “Anderson Silva money” may be known as “Jon Jones money.”