Alexander Gustafsson responds to callout from ‘chinny’ Luke Rockhold

If Luke Rockhold is coming for Alexander Gustafsson, “The Mauler” is more than happy to answer the call.

Earlier this week, Rockhold spoke on The MMA Hour about potentially moving to the light heavyweight division for his next fight, citing an increasing difficulty in making the middleweight limit of 185 pounds as he gets older. In that same interview, Rockhold issued a warning to Gustafsson, a fighter with whom he has shared barbs before. Asked about Gustafsson’s recent callout of him, Rockhold vowed of the Swede, “I’ll be coming to 205, I’m gonna handle my business, and you better be sure I’m coming for that ass.”

That apparently sounds like music to Gustafsson’s ears, as the two-time title challenger was eager to reply Friday afternoon on Twitter.

Rockhold, a former UFC middleweight champion, has spoken often of moving up to the 205-pound division over the recent years. The talk has increased in frequency as UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, Rockhold’s longtime teammate at the American Kickboxing Academy, nears retirement.

Following Rockhold’s recent knockout loss to Romero, Gustafsson issued a warning to the American on social media about the perils of moving to 205 pounds, vowing that he would “be standing at the front door waiting” to welcome Rockhold and saying that a bout between the two could keep Gustafsson “warm” while the Swede waits for Cormier to fight Stipe Miocic in UFC 226’s champion vs. champion main event.

Rockhold, in turn, called it “petty” for Gustafsson to come after him so quickly after his knockout loss, especially if Gustafsson was just trying to get a rise out of Cormier. Rockhold added of a chance to shut Gustafsson’s mouth for good, “I like it.”

So if Friday is any indication, Gustafsson is more than happy to oblige.