Morning Report: Alexander Gustafsson says Jon Jones ‘will never be able to erase the cheater stamp’

And out come the wolves.

When Jon Jones failed an out-of-competition drug test and was pulled from UFC 200 just days before the event, it shook the MMA world. Now that the dust has somewhat settled many are speaking out about Jones’ infraction and how that will effect the legacy of the man many believe to already be the greatest fighter ever. One of those people speaking out is former opponent and fourth ranked light heavyweight contender, Alexander Gustafsson. Yesterday, FloCombat’s Jim Edwards spoke with Gustafsson who pontificated on how Jones’ recent troubles have effected his legacy.

“I think he is one of the best fighters in the world, but ‘Greatest Of All Time?’, no not for me. There have been, and still are, so many good fighters and I think Jones still has more to prove, especially now after what has happened.”

Gustafsson challenged Jones for the light heavyweight belt in September of 2013. Going into the fight, many were skeptical of Gustafsson’s chances but Gustafsson surprised everyone by turning in the stiffest test of Jones’ career in an all-time classic fight.

After the fight, Gustafsson made it clear he wanted another crack at Jones and though an immediate rematch was considered, it never came to fruition. Now with Jones’ entire fighting future in jeopardy, it appears possible that Gustafsson will never get his chance for revenge. Jones is facing a potential 2 year suspension for his failed test and 2 years in MMA can be an eternity. If USADA does suspend Jones, some are speculating he will never fight again, including Gustafsson.

“Obviously, I think that if it’s proven that he has been cheating, he should definitely be suspended. The sad thing for me is that if he does have to sit out two years, then I’m not sure if he will ever be able to come back?

“Even if he does come back, he will never be able to erase the ‘cheater stamp’. Once you are caught, you can never wash that away.”

Jones is currently under temporary suspension by the NAC until a hearing at a yet to be determined date, likely in September or October. Should he receive the suspension, it becomes another sad stage in the self-destructive saga of one of MMA’s most talented fighters. Not only will it be a black mark on his career but, as with all things of this nature, it will also cause some fans to call into question the legitimacy of his past performances, perhaps none moreso than his closest battle against Gustafsson. The Swede is unconcerned about that though.

“Whether he was juicing or not when we fought it doesn’t matter. I believe I won that fight and if we meet again, I know I will beat him again.”

Alexander Gustafsson is scheduled to fight Jan Blachowicz in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 93 on September 3rd in Hamburg, Germany.

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