Alexander Gustafsson vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira set for March 8 in London

With an immediate rematch against UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones not in the cards, Alexander Gustafsson (15-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) instead will fight Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (21-5 MMA, 4-2 UFC) in his next bout.

UFC President Dana White today said the fight will headline the UFC’s first European Tour event, which takes place March 8 at London’s O2 Arena. Broadcast plans haven’t been announced.

White said if Gustafsson is victorious – and if Jones defeats Glover Teixeira in their tentatively scheduled early-2014 title fight – he’ll book the rematch.

Details are scarce about the UFC European Tour, but according to officials, it’ll include events in major European cities beginning in 2014.

Gustafsson, a heavy underdog, recently took Jones the distance at UFC 165 and lost a close decision to the dominant champ. The defeat did little but raise Gustafsson’s profile, but it wasn’t enough to earn him an immediate rematch. Instead, the Swedish striker will look for his seventh win in eight fights when he takes on his Brazilian counterpart.

Nogueira, a former PRIDE fighter whose UFC career has been slowed by an assortment of injuries, will fight for the first time in 13 months. However, he’ll be in search of his third consecutive win following impressive performances against former champs Tito Ortiz and Rashad Evans, which halted a two-fight skid.

For more on the UFC European Tour show in London, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Alexander Gustafsson)