Ryan Bader's emphatic triumph over a returning Rashad Evans at UFC 192 has overshadowed all hype surrounding the comeback ambitions of the 36-year-old UFC light heavyweight fighter, but thus far, all of that do not seem to bother Suga.
While Bader is trying to make a case of being the right person to challenge Daniel Cormier, Suga is busy figuring out his next move. The latest word is that Evans is eyeing Alexander Gustaffson as his next opponent, with the Swede seemingly open to facing the former champion.
Gustaffson was also in action at UFC 192, although he lost via split decision to Cormier. Despite the loss, Cormier acknowledged the challenge that Gustaffson gave Cormier that night, even thanking him in the process.
"Thank you, Alexander Gustafsson. You made me a better man and a better fighter tonight. I will forever be indebted to you for your performance," says Cormier after their fight earlier this month at UFC 192.
Would this speak well for Evans who seems to be way off form after being away for almost two years? Well, given enough time, Suga could probably get back into better shape and sharpen his moves.
Gustaffson is not a mediocre fighter and would probably be favored a bit if the two would eventually clash at some point next year. But then again, all that depends on the decision-making body of the UFC.
Seeing, however, no other potential plans (yet) for both fighters, a match between the two could make sense.
However, Evans may have to wait a bit as the camp of Gustaffson tries to weed out problems on their end. Apparently, they are puzzled at falling up short not once but twice on possibly winning the title, and such may require some in-depth search to address.
Regardless, the good news here is that the Swede is amenable to a possible clash with Suga, which means that it is now the UFC's call to make the fight.
There is also the case of Ryan Bader who has yet to get his next match. Bader is likely to get top priority, seeing that he did win that match. But then again, it remains to be seen if he would be interested in Gustaffson seeing that his mindset is on getting a shot at the UFC light heavyweight title.
All in all, it could depend on the outcome of that highly anticipated tussle involving Daniel Cormier and the reinstated Jon Jones. Jones is back in training but the UFC has not yet made any official announcement on the long-awaited rematch between the two bitter rivals.