Alexander Gustafsson Believes Jon Jones 'Feeling Insecure' Ahead of UFC 232

One of the most hyped rematches in Ultimate Fighting Championship history takes places later this month when Alexander Gustafsson locks horns with former champion Jon Jones for the soon-to-be vacant light heavyweight title, and “The Mauler” believes his opponent comes into the bout with some self-doubt.

The pair previously met back at UFC 165 on Sept. 21, 2013, where “Bones” won via a unanimous yet contentious decision in a fight that turned out to be his sternest test to date.

“The Mauler” spoke to MMANYTT.se and claimed that Jones’ reaction during the first pre-fight UFC 232 press conference where he pushed Gustafsson after both fighters squared off was “not really like him” and believes his actions showed some insecurity on his part.

“I don’t know where it came from,” Gustafsson said. “He just pushed me. He took a step in front of me, so I took a step in front of him and then he just pushed me. I think he’s not really there, I think he doubts himself and he’s very insecure. That’s my feeling, that’s what I felt when he did that. It’s not really like him doing that stuff, but it’s even better.”

UFC 232 takes place on Saturday, Dec. 29 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Headlined by the rematch between Jones and Gustafsson, the event will also feature another hugely anticipated fight as bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes moves up to challenge Cristiane Justino for her featherweight belt in arguably the highest-level fight in women’s MMA history.