Light heavyweight contender Alexander Gustafsson isn't mincing words about UFC champion Jon Jones. Remarking that Jones' recent hypothetical matchmaking is an all too obvious attempt to sidestep him, Gustafsson believes 'Bones' is only looking to protect his interests. Jones was criticized for suggesting Gustafsson face Daniel Cormier to determine the division's true No. 1 contender, effectively eliminating the loser from contention.

"If I look at Jones' perspective I don't think that's strange, because he tries to avoid me," Gustafsson tells BT Sport. "Everyone can see that. I can see that. He does what it takes to not fight me. For myself, it doesn't make any sense. I think DC is a great fighter. I respect him and I think he's a top contender, but I think he has to have another fight or two before he will fight for the title. The only thing that makes sense, in my mind, is me versus Jones next."

After dropping a close five-round decision to the champion in September at UFC 165, Gustafsson earned another title shot with a quick victory over the unbeaten Jimi Manuwa earlier this month. With Jones set to make his next title defense to Glover Teixeira in April at UFC 172, Gustafsson will be hoping for another banner night from the champ.

"Yes I will. I want him to beat Glover Teixeira, because I want to take the belt from Jon Jones," says Gustafsson.

5 MUST-READ STORIES

Fortunes changed for five. Dave Meltzer explains how Dan Henderson, Mauricio Rua, C.B. Dollaway, Jussier Formiga and Michel Prazeres move on following UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Henderson 2.

Good ratings. Could we see more Sunday UFC events after this weekend's promising numbers?

Jacare. Ronaldo Souza wants the winner of Michael Bisping vs. Tim Kennedy.

Toquinho. Rousimar Palhares says he's clean of performance enhancing drugs and willing to be tested anytime.

Weight cut danger. The Association of Ringside Physicians is calling for state athletic commissions to incorporate same-day weigh-ins in MMA.

MEDIA STEW

Glover Teixeira talks strategy for beating Jon Jones at UFC 172.

Chris Leben shares who hit him the hardest in his career. I'll give you one guess.

New TTTHS.

Ben Fowlkes talks brain injuries in MMA.

UFC 171 fight week with Myles Jury.

Clay Guida submits Shannon Gugerty.

Long watches.

The MMA Report Live - Bjorn Rebney (March 25)

...

TWEETS

Why not? Dan's got five fights left on the deal.

@danawhite thank you for the good words. I want to have a chance to fight my idol @danhendo. @ufc 5 rounds — Fabio Maldonado (@MaldonadoMMA) March 25, 2014

@danhendo I'm a big fan of yours. It would be a dream and an honor if you gave me the chance to fight you. — Fabio Maldonado (@MaldonadoMMA) March 25, 2014

Might be a better option.

Green is booked but it might make for a fair fight.

Newborn = direct correlation of [More TV] and [Less Working Out] — Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) March 25, 2014

It cost me 3700 to have my baby delivered and that's with insurance and here I thought it would be free lol #bestmoneyeverspent — Bobby King Green (@BobbyKGreen) March 25, 2014

Not sure about this one.

Great fight.

A lot going on here.

You can't handle this awesomeness! w/ @Mightmouse125, Forrest Griffen and random karate dude at Bud... http://t.co/yPHFFW85eb — Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) March 26, 2014

Finally, a Hercules movie.

This was better when it had 666 retweets, but someone ruined it.

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Mar. 25 2014)

cancelled Jimmy Jones vs. Rudy Morales at WSOF 9

cancelled Tanner Cowan vs. A.J. Williams at WSOF 9

Luke Barnatt vs. Sean Strickland at UFC Fight Night: Munoz vs. Mousasi

Justin Gaethje vs. Nick Newell at World Series of Fighting in July

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today's Fanpost of the Day comes via evildregs.

More Weight Classes in UFC

It was quite a few years ago that I first heard Joe Rogan lament the large ranges between the upper weight classes. I didn't agree. I'd like to see the UFC with a relatively small roster, a limited number of weight classes, and only the best of the best. But the UFC has other plans. They're pushing into more markets, brining in new local talent, expanding their roster, and adding more events. I won't detail the exact weight limits or speculate about regulatory issues, but I'd like to revisit the general idea: As a fan, would I like to see the UFC add more weight classes? In the earlier days I was worried that you'd have a bunch of champions, each king of their own little, insignificant hill. I thought it would devalue being a champion. I also worried (and still do) that some fighters would wander back and forth, blurring the divisions. ...

Check out the rest of the post here.

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