Alexander Gustafsson says he's ready to fight Jon Jones

Or Rashad Evans, should "Suga" upend the reigning 205-pound champion this Saturday night (April 21, 2012) in the UFC 145 headliner from the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

Alexander Gustafsson punched his ticket to bigger and better things in the UFC Light Heavyweight division by punching Thiago Silva in the face -- hard enough and long enough to send the Brazilian to just his third career loss in the main event of UFC on FUEL TV 2 back on April 14 in Sweden.

From the post-fight press conference in Stockholm (via Sherdog.com):

"I [executed] my game plan, but I’m a finisher. It was my first decision [in the UFC], so I’m still learning. I want to fight the top five guys in the world in my division, but if [the UFC] were to give me a title shot, I would be more than ready if that day comes."

While the idea doesn't sound that crazy to our own Sergio Hernandez, it's unlikely to happen in 2012.

"The Mauler" is already being paired off with a "top five guy" in the 205-pound division, according to UFC President Dana White. And even if he wins his next fight, there's a pesky forty-something ex-champ with a big right hand who refuses to go away.

Last weekend's win pushed the lanky Swede to 14-1 overall with nine (T)KO and three submissions wins. In fact, Silva was just the second fighter to ever take Gustafsson to the judges' scorecards, but was nearly finished in the opening frame trying to make this thing a fight.

Alright Maniacs, you've seen what he can do. Is he ready to be delivered? Or does he need to go back under the lamps for a few more fights?

More on "Gustafsson vs. Silva" right here.