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[Cat--Smasher]

Jon Jones Says Gustafsson Isn't Quite Ready For Him, but 'Exudes Winning'

"Alexander Gustfasson I think is pretty close to a title shot," he said last week. "I think if maybe he wins two more fights against some top guys like maybe Lyoto [Machida] or Rashad [Evans] or somebody who can push him in different categories. I would like to see him against a wrestler, and I would like to see him against a worthy striker, then a title shot would be very appropriate."

Gustafsson was never truly in the running to fight Jones next anyway, since Dan Henderson had been queued up as the next challenger for quite some time.

As Gustafsson's risen up the ladder though, there have been increased comparisons between him and Jones. But while the 24-year-old champ is impressed by Gustafsson, he doesn't quite see a reflection of himself.

"I think the only similarity is that we’re both tall, and that’s it," he said. "We are completely different athletes. I have a wrestler-base where I shoot and throw from the clinch. I kick fast and accurate. He has really great boxing. I like his demeanor, though. He has some swagger. That kid has swagger. He exudes winning the second he steps in the cage. I realize that about him. But I think the kid has the potential to be a star. Sweden just loves him. And I saw that he just has 'it,' and I’m excited for him."

Jon Jones Says Gustafsson Isn't Quite Ready For Him, but 'Exudes Winning' - MMA Fighting

[KevoOnTheRadio]

I think it's a fight we'll see before the end of the year.

[FedortheCan]

I like Goose... but im not sure if he fought Davis again, or Rashad or a SHogun that he would win. He is going to have to beat one of those guys before getting that title shot IMO

[MMAtt]

I like Gustafsson, id love to see him get a title shot, him vs hendo would be fun to watch. See what I did there? Hendo please club Jones like a baby seal!!!

[macewen]

Gus has shown me nothing to make me think he could handle jones GNP

[mma #1 fan]

Originally Posted by KevoOnTheRadio

I think it's a fight we'll see before the end of the year.

spot on if indeed they both keep winning

[CtGreat]

Originally Posted by macewen

Gus has shown me nothing to make me think he could handle jones GNP

Same, infact I think he struggles immensely against a very strong wrestler such as Bader Evans or Davis again. Grappling isn't something you can just become great at in a short while, it takes many years to be able to compete against top competition grapplers.

[Rise]

Like others have said it's a fight we will see this year most likely. Don;t see Gustaffson being ready for it though he won;t stop the takedowns if they come and it's questionable even if there is an edge for him striking at this point.

[rob_bills]

Originally Posted by CtGreat

Same, infact I think he struggles immensely against a very strong wrestler such as Bader Evans or Davis again. Grappling isn't something you can just become great at in a short while, it takes many years to be able to compete against top competition grapplers.

He's been training with Phil Davis since he lost to him 2 years ago, and he's young so i expect we will see a huge improvement when he fights another wrestler.

If Gus improves his wrestling i think he is a massive threat to Jones, if only for his size.

[CtGreat]

Originally Posted by rob_bills

He's been training with Phil Davis since he lost to him 2 years ago, and he's young so i expect we will see a huge improvement when he fights another wrestler.

If Gus improves his wrestling i think he is a massive threat to Jones, if only for his size.

I know he trains with Davis, but I still think he will struggle immensely against another strong wrestler. Ryan Bader would work him ragged for 3 rounds imo, as would Evans. I like Goose, and he has so much room to grow/so much potential. However, right now/in the near future, I dont think he will be ready for such a big leap.

Somebody like Machida would eat his soul.