UFC president Dana White went on air Wednesday to announce Alexander "The Lion" Gustafsson will get the first crack at newly crowned Light Heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier later this year. White confirmed the announcement on Fox Sports 1's "UFC Tonight" amid speculation that another Cormier rival, Ryan Bader, will be the one to be granted a title shot.

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Talking to Fox Sports.Com, Bader expressed his disappointment on the news, especially after the near-brawl incident that happened at UFC 187's post-fight press conference. Bader and Cormier were supposed to headline the UFC Fight Night New Orleans card before the whole Light Heavyweight Division underwent a major overhaul.

In an official statement, UFC stripped former champion Jon Jones of his title and suspended him indefinitely for violations of the company's Athletic Code of Conduct Policy. Jones was scheduled to defend his title against Anthony Johnson on May 23, but figured in a hit-and-run incident late April that resulted in a pregnant woman being hospitalized and injured. He now awaits felony charges in Albaquerque, NM.

To save the UFC 187 fight card, Cormier was yanked out of his Bader fight and was pitted against Johnson for the vacant Light Heavyweight title. He won via submission in the third round.

On the other hand, in an exclusive interview with MMAViking.Com, former top contender, Gustafsson says he is thankful and excited for his second opportunity to fight for the title. He also added that he would have to prepare for Cormier's strength and explosiveness to have a chance of winning for the belt.

In 2013, Gustaffsson came within a round or two from dethroning then champion Jones. All five rounds, Gustafsson went toe-to-toe with "Bones" matching his speed, intensity, and length. He scored well-timed take downs and implemented an effective counter striking game plan, but still lost in a unanimous decision. After the fight, Gustafsson notched a win over Jimi Manuwa then got knocked out by Johnson in a title eliminator match in Sweden last January.

In contrast, Bader won his last four fights, most notably over of light heavyweight standouts Ovince St. Preux and Phil Davis.  He, together with Gustafsson and Cormier, have all been beaten by Bones inside the Octagon.

TagsUFC, Alexander Gustafsson, Daniel Cormier, ryan bader, Jon Jones, Title shot, UFC Championship, light heavyweight champion, Ovince St. Preux, Phil Davis