Issue 106

October 2013

It’s not just his alias that’s changed ahead of September’s UFC 165 light heavyweight title fight with Jon Jones, it seems ‘The Bone Crusher’ Alexander Gustafsson has also given his pads sessions a boost too.

In this exclusive photograph taken at Alliance Training Center in San Diego, California, Sweden’s 205lb number-one challenger hits mitts with head coach Andreas Michael standing on top of a heavy bag in order to get Gustafsson used to punching at an opponent of equal height.

‘Bones’ Jones’ six-foot-four frame is clearly on the minds of the challenger’s camp, as Gustafsson hasn’t faced an opponent of similar height since his UFC 120 victory over six-foot-six Frenchman Cyrille Diabaté. 

Gustafsson admits that no stone is being left unturned as he aims for the best performance of his career. “Jon Jones is a complete fighter and so I will have to raise my game again,” he says, “but I’m very motivated for the fight and I’m ready for the test.” But can he pull off an upset victory, like Chris Weidman? “Absolutely,” he adds.

Date: July 23, 2012

Location: Chula Vista, California

Photographer: Tom Bear