Following a litany of injuries over the last couple of months, it looks like the UFC’s light heavyweight division is about to be rejuvenated by a match-up of top-5 talent. MMAMania.com are reporting that Alexander Gustafsson will meet Rashad Evans in Stockholm, Sweden on January 24th if the UFC have their way with suggestions the card could be broadcast live and free on FOX in the United States. The UFC has yet to confirm or deny the news.
Number one ranked Gustafsson, who was due to rematch champion Jon Jones at the recent UFC 178 until a knee injury ruled him out, had promised to stay busy following news that a planned fight with Anthony Johnson was scrapped after Johnson was suspended with domestic abuse allegations hanging over him. The number 4 ranked Evans seems a logical opponent.
The former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans is coming back to action after missing the entire year of 2014 through injury. Following a disappointing loss to Jon Jones for the UFC title Evans bounced back with wins over Dan Henderson and Chael Sonnen before an ACL injury put him on the shelf.
Both men will be looking to force their way back towards a title shot after losses to Jon Jones and with such a top heavy division this could very well end up being the number one contender fight. Sweden’s Gustafsson will likely enter the fight as a favourite but Evans will be more than happy with the opportunity to propel himself over the rest of the division.