UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones will defend his title against Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165 in September.
The event has been scheduled for September 21 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.
The 25-year-old became the youngest champion in UFC history in 2011, when he defeated Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 128 . He defended his title for the first time against Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at UFC 135 in September 2011.
With five consecutive title defenses, Jones is tied with Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz, and his 12 wins are the second most in the light heavyweight division. He boasts a near-perfect record, losing only one fight in his five-year MMA career. He fought Matt Hamill at The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale in 2009, and was disqualified for illegal elbows. He has been ranked the #1 light heavyweight fighter in the world by various publications.
Jones’ last fight was against Chael Sonnen at UFC 159 in April. The champion defended his title with a TKO at 4:33 in the first round.
Gustafsson also holds a nearly flawless record, losing to Phil Davis at UFC 112 in April 2010 — his only loss since his MMA debut in November 2007. The 26-year-old made his UFC debut at UFC 105 in November 2009 against Jared Hamman. He won the match by KO at 0:41 in the first round.
Gustafsson most recently fought “Shogun” Rua at UFC On Fox: Henderson vs. Diaz , winning the match by unanimous decision.
“Jon Jones is re-writing the record book for the light heavyweight division,” UFC president Dana White said. “He is one of the pound-for-pound best in the world with a record-tying five straight title defenses by age 25. This bout with Gustafsson is an awesome fight. Alex is a big man plus he’s mean and hungry – and excited for the opportunity to fight Jones.”
So far, Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson is the only confirmed match for UFC 165 . Tickets go on sale July 11.