Alexander Gustafsson Sees Jon Jones as the Greatest Test in His Career

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones now sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings.  He’s the youngest fighter to ever win a UFC title.  He is currently riding the longest winning streak in UFC light heavyweight history with nine consecutive wins.  He’s tall, athletic, intelligent and driven.

Jones faces Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165 on September 21 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  Jones is a lot of things, but in the eyes of the challenger, he’s the biggest fight of Gustafsson’s six-year career.

“I see the greatest test in my career,” said Gustafsson on Tuesday at a press conference promoting the upcoming event.  “He’s the champion for a reason.  I’m so ready for this fight.  I’m very motivated.”

The 26-year old Swede is on a six-fight winning streak.  The only blemish on his 15-1 record came in April 2010 when he lost to Phil Davis by submission.  He is coming off a win over former titleholder Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in December and hopes to add a victory over the current champion to his resume.

“I’m so pumped for this fight,” he said.  “He’s a complete fighter.  He’s the champion.  I have to be aware of everything he throws.”

UFC 165: Jones vs. Gustafsson also features the UFC interim bantamweight championship fight between titleholder Renan Barao and Eddie Wineland.