The newly crowned champion holds two victories over Gustafsson, but knows they’ll meet again one day.
“I think (the story of who is better is) closed,” Jones said at the UFC 232 post-fight press conference. “But I also am smart enough to know that Gustafsson will fight his way back to the top. A third fight’s inevitable.”
Gustafsson and Jones first battled at UFC 165 over four years ago, with Jones notching a razor thin decision win in that encounter.
Jones does have some advice for his fallen foe, which is for Gustafsson to keep that head held high and to return to the drawing board.
“For him to keep his head high, that’s what I would like to see from him,” Jones said. “Keep his head high and know that he is right there with the top of that division. To develop his game. I need Gustafsson to keep sharp. I need to know that there’s guys like him out there. Stay sharp, keep your head high, back to the drawing board and do it again.”
Once the UFC updates its rankings on Tuesday, it would appear that the currently #3 ranked Anthony Smith may be next for Jones.
