Alexander Gustafsson has pulled out of the UFC178 main event Vs Jon Jones, and has been replaced by Daniel Cormier.
From MMAJUNKIE:
The rematch will have to wait, but UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones (20-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) still has a big fight on the horizon.
UFC officials today announced a training injury has forced Alexander Gustafsson (16-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) out of a planned UFC 178 main event with Jones, and Daniel Cormier (15-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) will instead challenge for the belt at the Sept. 27 event, which takes place at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Jones is currently ranked No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA light heavyweight rankings. Cormier, who’s ranked No. 3, replaces No. 2 Gustafsson.
Cormier, a former Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix champion, has long made clear his intentions of facing Jones for the belt. A two-time Olympic wrestler, Cormier made the move to 205 pounds earlier this year with the sole intention of a title showdown. He’s already picked up light-heavyweight victories over Dan Henderson and Patrick Cummins and was hoping to jump ahead of Gustafsson in the line waiting to fight for the title.
He’s now done that, albeit in a less direct fashion that he originally intended.
Meanwhile, Jones has previously asked for the matchup, as well, hoping to silence a vocal Cormier before turning his attention to the rematch with Gustafsson. Instead, UFC officials elected to book Gustafsson first, giving the man who gave Jones his stiffest career test to date a second chance and dethroning the dominant champ.
Now Gustafsson will have to get back in line. A timetable for his return wasn’t immediately established.
With the change to the lineup, UFC 178 now includes:
Champ Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier – for light heavyweight title
Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier
Dominick Cruz vs. Takeya Mizugaki
Tim Kennedy vs. Yoel Romero
Amanda Nunes vs. Cat Zingano
Brian Ebersole vs. John Howard
Patrick Cote vs. Stephen Thompson
Gustafsson OUT...Cormier IN
posted on 24/7/14
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posted on 24/7/14
I prefer this fight to be honest mate, Jones already beat Gustafsson albeit in a cracking, close fight.
But i prefer new challenges to the belt.
Mcgregor/Poirier co-main....starting Dustin out as the favourite!!!
posted on 24/7/14
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posted on 29/7/14
Cormier will be a difficult opponent for Jones, if Jones pulls off a win then there needs to be a super fight between Jones and middleweight champion, Chris Weidman. Both are undefeated...sort of and only one person can win the fight. Would be a great fight.
posted on 30/7/14
Yeah i agree he'll be a difficult opponent, i just think Jones height & reach will be too much for DC.
He's only 5ft 11 with a 72.5in reach, compared to Jones at 6ft 4 with an 84.5in reach.
That said, Cormier has massive power and unbelievable wrestling ability, i just dont think JJ will let him utilize any of these.
JJ by UD or late TKO
posted on 1/8/14
This is a fascinating fight, Cormier has unbelievable wrestling a good chin and KO power. Bones will have to be on his game and make sure to keep him at arms length. If he doesnt we could have a new champ here. I prefer this fight too