The Only Fight That Matters

Alexander Gustafsson vs Jon Jones II is the only fight in the UFC that matters. Vitor Belfort vs Chris Weidman, who cares. Having to wait until the end of the year to watch Cain Velasquez defend his title against someone not named Junior Dos Santos or Antonio Silva, whatever. George St. Pierre relinquished his belt, rather than defend it for a second time against a deserving Johnny Hendricks. When or if the Anthony Pettis vs Jose Aldo match is made call me, because until then Gustafsson vs Jones II is the only fight that matters. 

Check out an interesting recap of the first fight here, to remind you why these two fighting again is a must see.

Unfortunately we'll have to wait to watch it. Both athletes are tied up in other bouts at the moment. Jone Jones will defend his title a record seventh time against Gloveria Texeria, while Gustafsson will take on Jimi Manuwa. In a sport like MMA we as fans are far from guaranteed to ever see this match. Either one of these brawls could go the other way. Texeria could wind up champ or Manuwa could extend his undefeated streak to fifteen. However, if both fighters do make it past their opponents we are looking at a fight that has only gained in interest levels. 

Look back at Chael Sonnen vs Anderson Silva II. Sonnen's year absence from the sport and his two matches in between challenges for the middleweight title, only added an extra desire for fans to see the rematch. It paid off for the UFC in one of their highest rated PPVs to date. 

It does burn a little that we have to wait for the Gustafsson/Jones rematch while less credible rematches, i.e. Frankie Edgar vs Benson Henderson II or BJ Penn vs Frankie Edgar II, were booked directly after the original. 

These two sluggers are the best fighters in the world, period. No other division can offer a match up such as this, the two greatest in their prime putting it all on the line. Before their first bout most of us didn't think Gustafsson would have a chance. He shocked everyone, especially Jones. Now it is arguable who is really the number one in their weight class. I'd give it to Gustafsson for a second fight, but who knows! It could go either way. In the foreseeable future these guys are head and shoulders above the rest of their division. They will only be truly challenged by each other. What other champion has that sort of rival waiting for them?

Here is a reminder of why Alexander Gustafsson is a badass.

And the second round clinical Jone Jones put on Lyoto Machida.

How much longer do we need to wait until the UFC puts on the only fight that really matters?