Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones was stripped of his title after failing a USADA issued drug test in line with UFC 214.
Despite the fact that Daniel Cormier is the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, former title challenger Alexander Gustafsson says Jones is still the real champ.
“He has the belt. I want to fight DC for sure. I want that belt, but for me the real champion is Jon Jones of course because he has been destroying everybody in the division. Everything he’s done has not been done before,” stated Gustafsson on The MMA Hour. “So, for me, he’s the real champion but I accept DC as a champion too. He’s a good guy and a good fighter and the only person he has lost to is Jon Jones. He’s the real deal and I think he’s champion material.”
Jones could be suspended up to four years by USADA for a second failed drug test, which means the fighter may not return to action until 2021. Gustafsson fought and lost to Jones in their only encounter at UFC 165 in September 2013, but the Swedish star wouldn’t mind another bout with the former title holder.
“I want him back. I want another fight with him. I want to fight him at some point in my future career. I just want to fight him one more time and maybe for that reason I want to see him come back,” he said. “But, at the same time, he’s been getting caught a lot of times. If he doesn’t come back, he doesn’t come back. I just feel like it’s sad for the sport and for the whole thing.”
It is unknown at this time when the title challenger is returning to action after recently having surgery done on his shoulder.
