Alexander Gustafsson wants Daniel Cormier, will settle for knocking out Luke Rockhold

With the UFC’s light heavyweight title temporarily on hold, top contender Alexander Gustafsson (18-4 MMA, 10-4 UFC) is making alternate arrangements.

Gustafsson, currently ranked No. 5 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA light heavyweight rankings, believes he’s next in line for a shot at current UFC champ Daniel Cormier. But with “DC” set to face heavyweight champ Stipe Miocic this summer, Gustafsson is suggesting he could keep himself busy by knocking out Cormier’s teammate, Luke Rockhold (16-5 MMA, 6-4 UFC), who has been teasing a move up to 205 pounds.

“The Mauler” today took to social media to send an official invitation to Rockhold, though he promised a rude welcome to the light heavyweight division.

@lukerockhold , your teammate is holding MY Division hostage, and you think there are only easy fights at LHW. If u think Romero hits hard, then wait till you come to the big boys. I want @dc_mma , and knocking u out will keep me warm in the meantime. Beware of coming up in weight because I will be standing at the front door waiting.

A post shared by Alex The Mauler Gustafsson (@alexthemauler) on Feb 13, 2018 at 1:24pm PST

Gustafsson was last in action in May 2017, scoring a vicious fifth-round knockout of the heavy-hitting Glover Teixeira in the main event of UFC Fight Night 109. This past November, he went under the knife to repair an injured shoulder but is now looking to book his return fight. The towering Swede has hoped that would result in a rematch with current champ Cormier, who downed Gustafsson via split decision in an epic 2015 encounter. However, with Cormier booked to fight Miocic after their stint as coaches on “The Ultimate Fighter 27,” that will have to wait.

Meanwhile, Rockhold suffered a knockout loss to fellow top contender Yoel Romero in the main event of UFC 221. Even prior to the setback, Rockhold told MMAjunkie a move to light heavyweight was nearing.

Now he’s got an official invitation.

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.