Trending News|January 25, 2015 08:20 EST
UFC Fight Night News: Alexander Gustafsson vs Anthony Johnson Preview - One Question Going into UFC - Who is next for Jon Jones?
The UFC returns to Sweden at the Tele2 Arena in Stockholm for UFC on FOX 14, when the country's biggest star Alexander "The Mauler" Gustafsson takes on Anthony "Rumble" Johnson in the main event for the right to face UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
Had it not been for injuries, Gustafsson would already have had his second shot at dethroning Jones, but a lot has happened since their epic five round battle, including the emergence of the force of nature that is "Rumble" Johnson.
Johnson is riding an eight-fight winning streak, and is undefeated since moving up to Light Heavyweight. He's taken fighters out in four of those fights, and took just 44 seconds to knock out Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in his last fight.
Gustafsson has only fought once after fighting for the title back in September 2013, when he stopped Jimi Manuwa in London last March.
Despite the lack of activity, Gustafsson should come in as the favorite in this matchup. His boxing, footwork, and the lessons he learned when he fought Jones should bode well for him for should the fight reach the fourth and fifth rounds.
Johnson has never been to the championship rounds, and if Gustafsson can weather the early storm from Johnson, the Swede should have the advantage in the later rounds. That's a big if, though, as Johnson has made a habit of knocking his opponents out.
Johnson has improved every part of his game, but so has Gustafsson. This figures to be an excellent fight between two extremely talented fighters, the reward for which, is a shot at the best in the world.
Other fights in the main card of UFC on FOX 14 are Dan Henderson vs. Gegard Mousasi, Phil Davis vs. Ryan Bader, and Akira Corassani vs. Sam Sicilia.
The four-fight FOX card kicks off Saturday, 8 p.m. ET.