Alexander Gustafsson signs new UFC contract, jabs at Daniel Cormier in announcement

“What I can tell you is this is the most lucrative deal of Alex’s career and one of the best deals in the space,” Safapour said. “Both the UFC and Alex are happy. It is a good deal for everyone. Hunter Campbell is an operator and a solid operator. We are excited to continue to grow with the UFC as partners and collaborators. The title is within reach now more than ever.”

Gustafsson  (18-4 MMA, 10-4 UFC) has twice before competed for the UFC’s 205-pound title, dropping hard-fought decisions both times. He first fell short to Jon Jones via unanimous decision in September 2013 at UFC 165. In his second try, Gustafsson lost a split decision to Cormier (20-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) in October 2015 at UFC 192.

On Wednesday, Gustafsson was a guest on FS1’s “UFC Tonight,” which was hosted by Kenny Florian and Cormier. The set-up made for some awkward – albeit entertaining – television as Gustafsson continued to insist his next fight should be for an interim title while Cormier is preoccupied preparing for a heavyweight title fight against Stipe Miocic on July 7 at UFC 226.

Cormier previously has said he will retire by March 2019, which would explain Gustafsson’s “while others are talking about retirement” jab in his Instagram post.

Injuries have kept Gustafsson relatively inactive as of late. He’s fought just once in each of 2016 and 2017, winning both times. Gustafsson most recently knocked out Glover Teixeira in the fifth round of their “Fight of the Night” last May at UFC Fight Night 109.

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.