Cormier to make first title defense vs Gustafsson

MANILA, Philippines – UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier will make his first defense of his gold-plated belt against one-time title challenger Alexander Gustafsson in the main event of UFC 192 on October 4 (October 3 in US).

The championship clash, which is set to take place at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, was publicly confirmed during the broadcast of UFC Fight Night 72 on Sunday, July 19.

After Jon Jones was stripped off the light heavyweight strap and received an indefinite suspension over a hit-and-run incident, Cormier (16-1) submitted Anthony Johnson at UFC 187 this past May to capture the vacant crown.

The 36-year-old Olympic wrestler has only lost once in 17 professional mixed martial arts matches, bowing down to Jones via unanimous decision at January’s UFC 182.

“Defending the title for the first time will be amazing, especially so close to my hometown in Louisiana and down in the South. This will be my third fight in Houston, and I know Alex and I will give the fans from the great state of Texas a real exciting fight,” Cormier said in a statement read on FOX Sports 1.

On the other hand, Gustafsson (16-3) receives the title shot despite coming off a first-round knockout loss to Johnson in January.

It will be Gustafsson’s second chance at UFC gold as the 6-foot-4 Swede famously gave Jones the toughest test of his career in September 2013 before losing a closely contested five-round verdict.

“He has great hands and footwork, and is a truly complete martial artist. Alex is a guy who has been in wars and has shown a true championship heart. I look forward to the challenge,” Cormier said of his opponent.

Also announced for the UFC 192 fight card is another light heavyweight showdown between former division champion Rashad Evans (19-3-1) and Ryan Bader (19-4).

– Rappler.com