UFC sets date and location for Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson 2
One of the biggest rematches in UFC history is almost signed as Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson 2 is currently being targeted for UFC 177 on August 30 in Las Vegas.
The news was first reported by ESPN via UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta and later confirmed by UFC officials, although there remains one caveat to the fight being official.
Currently, Gustafsson has verbally agreed to the matchup and date for the rematch, but the same can't be said for Jones.
The UFC light heavyweight champion is in Peru right now alongside his manager Malki Kawa and as of yet hasn't responded to the fight request from the UFC.
While the timing of the announcement seems somewhat strange considering Jones hasn't even officially accepted the fight, it appears the UFC is pushing for the rematch to take place at the end of August.
It's likely Jones will answer the UFC's call once he returns home to the United States, but until then the fight won't be official. Jones exited his last fight at UFC 172 without any injuries after battering and bludgeoning Glover Teixeira over the course of five rounds.
The first fight between Jones and Gustafsson was a 'Fight of the Year' in 2013 and is widely considered one of the greatest title bouts in MMA history. Since their first fight, Gustafsson dispatched of previously undefeated prospect Jimi Manuway while Jones beat Teixeira and now the rematch is on the horizon.
UFC 177 is expected to take place on August 30 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
