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UFC 159 headliner Jon Jones says he still wants to fight Alexander Gustafsson

If Jon Jones can get past Chael Sonnen at UFC 159, maybe he can get back to fighting people who have actually been working their way up in his division, like rising star Alexander Gustafsson. "Bones" told fans today he's all for it.

USA TODAY Sports

Good news for Sweden, bad news for Brazil.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones plans to make a move to heavyweight at some point in his still-young career, but also recognizes he has some unfinished business inside the promotion's 205-pound division.

Yes, he's looking at you, Alexander Gustafsson.

"Bones" told fans today during his Sportsnation chat with ESPN that "The Mauler" was the one fighter still on his to-do list. A stamp of approval from the champion could help expedite Gustafsson's title shot, even if he's not yet committed to taking it.

Big Gus is currently recovering from an untimely cut in training camp, one that torpedoed his UFC on FUEL TV 9 main event against Gegard Mousasi earlier this month in Stockholm. He should be ready to go in the next couple of weeks and the promotion has yet to book him for his Octagon return.

Coming off the injured reserves and right into a title fight could leave former division kingpin Lyoto Machida twiddling his thumbs for a very long time, since "The Dragon" has opted to ride the pine until he gets his championship rematch.

The Brazilian was choked out in his first chance at gold during the UFC 140 main event back in December 2011.

In the meantime, Jones will have to keep this argument valid by turning away last-minute light heavyweight challenger Chael Sonnen, who looks to make history in the UFC 159 pay-per-view event on Saturday night (April 27, 2013) from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson ... who wants it?


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