Frustrated Alexander Gustafsson Wants His Next Fight to be For an Interim Title

It just so happens that when Alexander Gustafsson is ready to come back, UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier is jumping up in weight to try and hold belts in two divisions. Regardless if he beats Stipe Miocic at UFC 226, Cormier will be retiring before March of last year so he’s on his way out. This leaves Gustafsson asking what about him? He thinks he deserves to fight for an interim belt.

“Me fighting [Daniel Cormier] for the real title, that opportunity went out the window. I feel I earned my spot off my last performance, but here we are. With DC moving up, the next step for me should be for an interim title. I brought it up to the UFC. Let’s see what happens. All I know is that in my situation, whoever they put in front of me next, it must be for the interim title. I feel like I’ve been taking fights and climbing ladders, climbing rankings, my entire career.”

U r the one talking fights here! I’m gonna be ur retirement fight not Stipe I’ll wait.. can’t wait to take u down again.. and again..

— Alexander Gustafsson (@AlexTheMauler) January 31, 2018

“I’m 31 years old. I still feel I’ll compete for many years, but right now, every fight has to have a thought behind it. DC is moving up to heavyweight and that’s good for him and it’s good for the organization, but for me, the No. 1 contender, it’s not fair. It’s not fair at all. And no one knows what D.C. will do after this fight. He may put his gloves down and walk away. The division is a little crazy right now, it’s no secret, but I earned my spot. It doesn’t matter who they put in front of me, but I want it to be for the interim belt.” — Alexander Gustafsson speaking to ESPN.

@lukerockhold , your teammate is holding MY Division hostage, and you think there are only easy… https://t.co/43HKu08GhV

— Alexander Gustafsson (@AlexTheMauler) February 13, 2018

Who knows who Alexander Gustafsson may face next, but he’s been feuding with Cormier teammate and former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold, who just fought Yoel Romero for an interim title himself. Could he face Gustafsson for an interim light heavyweight title and be the only person to fight for interim titles back-to-back? Who knows, but what better way to get your shot at Cormier than to win an interim title while beating up one of his friends.

3/20/2018.