What Does an Alexander Gustafsson Win Mean to the UFC?

It has been just over two years since Alexander Gustafsson lost his bid for a UFC title opposite former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones.

The five-round championship tilt has since been revered as one of very best fights in division history and a showing for Jones that further cemented his greatness.

Since then, Gustafsson has gone 1-1 with a recent loss to Anthony “Rumble” Johnson via first-round knockout and Jones has relinquished his title amidst legal issues. The two have essentially experienced simultaneous falls from grace, while current titleholder Daniel Cormier has reaped all benefits.

Luckily, the UFC recognizes undying potential, granting “The Mauler” a shot at DC on the heels of a drastically one-sided defeat to Johnson.

The two will meet on Saturday at UFC 192 in hopes of electrifying a division in turmoil since the departure of its king. It will also serve as Cormier’s first title defense and yet another opportunity for Gustafsson to truly reach his professional pinnacle.

However, the 205-pound title picture is unlike any other. Since Jones technically never lost his belt, any light heavyweight title fight that doesn’t involve him is an unavoidable farce. A king cannot be replaced unless that king has been overthrown. That notion has become even more prevalent since Jones will not be facing jail time for a felony hit-and-run back in April.

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But until Jones actually steps foot inside of the Octagon again, the intricate clockwork that is the light heavyweight roster must move forward.

That leaves an interesting showdown between Cormier and Gustafsson, as the premier match-up in the weight class; one that will pit an Olympic level wrestler against one of the most dangerous strikers in mixed martial arts today.

While Cormier has shown the ability to outlast difficult punchers (he submitted Johnson back at UFC 187 to earn the title) in the past, Gustafsson is unlike any other foe he’s faced before. Jones is certainly comparable, but the Swede is a more tactical and precise striker at the end of the day.

But as we draw closer to UFC 192, it becomes more and more evident that the UFC would greater benefit from a Gustafsson victory than a Cormier retention. It doesn’t have to do with Cormier’s ability to fight or win in fashion. Instead, it is Gustafsson’s international appeal and offensive prowess that carries superior marketability.

In other words, the towering Swedish dynamo is tailor-made for the spotlight; a spotlight that he nearly captured opposite the greatest fighter in the world.

Furthermore, despite a formidable performance opposite Jones at UFC 182, Cormier doesn’t hold a candle to Gustafsson when it comes to a rematch with “Bones.” Gustafsson vs. Jones is simply incomparable to other potential match-ups at 205 pounds.

While Jones vs. Cormier II would certainly flourish on all levels; the big money fight is with Gustafsson. If he can somehow pry the light heavyweight title away from Cormier this weekend, it will be setting up the most anticipated rematch in UFC history. One that will not only feature a historic reboot from UFC 165, but more importantly mark the return of Jones and the promotion’s most skilled fighter.

Needless to say, a victory for Gustafsson at UFC 192 would mean the world to the UFC. When you consider how top-heavy and battle-torn the light heavyweight division truly is, having a contender at your disposal that can be equally pitted against Jones means everything. Cormier could fit that bill one day, but Gustafsson has already earned that illustrious reputation.

Cormier may be a more difficult obstacle than Jones for Gustafsson’s specific fighting style, but it’s one he must destroy in order to recapture lightning in a bottle.

(Follow Daniel Hiergesell @DH_MMA on Twitter)

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