Anthony Johnson (fighter) explained

Anthony Johnson
Other Names:Rumble
Birth Name:Anthony Kewoa Johnson
Birth Date:6 March 1984
Birth Place:Dublin, Georgia, U.S.
Weight Lb:205
Weight Class:Heavyweight (2013)
Light heavyweight (2014–2017, 2021)
Middleweight (2012)
Welterweight (2006–2011)
Reach:78 in[1]
Stance:Orthodox
Fighting Out Of:Deerfield Beach, Florida, United States
Team:Blackzilians (2011–2017)[2]
Combat Club (2017–2022)[3]
Wrestling:NJCAA Wrestling[4]
Years Active:2006–2017; 2021
Mma Kowin:17
Mma Decwin:6
Mma Koloss:1
Mma Subloss:5
Sherdog:17662

Anthony Kewoa Johnson[5] (March 6, 1984 – November 13, 2022) was an American mixed martial artist. He spent most of his career competing for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he was a multiple time title challenger, before ending his career with a single fight with Bellator MMA. He fought in the welterweight, middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. He was known by his nickname, Rumble, which he was given because of his one-punch knockout power. He also had a small acting role as a fighter in a large international mixed martial arts tournament called Sparta in the 2011 film Warrior.[6]

He was the number 1 ranked light heavyweight contender in official UFC rankings,[7] and was ranked number 2 in the world by Sherdog and ESPN, before his retirement in April 2017. Johnson later came out of retirement in May 2021 and won his last fight by knockout.

Early life

Anthony Kewoa Johnson was born in Dublin, Georgia. He was raised by his grandparents who formally adopted him at age 2.[8] [9] Early in life, his heroes were his grandfather and the football player Walter Payton. He went to West Laurens High School and then attended Lassen College in Susanville, California on a wrestling scholarship,[10] and became a junior college national wrestling champion. After college, he worked as a bouncer and entered mixed martial arts at age 20, after a friend suggested it due to his wrestling background.[11]

Mixed martial arts career

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Johnson made his UFC debut at UFC Fight Night 10, knocking out Chad Reiner just thirteen seconds into the first round. He had taken the fight on less than a week's notice, replacing an injured Steve Bruno, who had torn his rotator cuff. He was also seen in a previous video for The Ultimate Fighter trying out for season six, however for undisclosed reasons he was not on the show.

In his next bout, he faced Rich Clementi at UFC 76. He lost the fight via rear-naked choke submission in round two.

After his first professional loss, Johnson then faced Tom Speer at .[12] He won the fight via knockout early in round one.

Johnson's next fight was against Kevin Burns, at aired live on Spike TV on July 19, 2008. Johnson was repeatedly poked in the eyes throughout the bout, with Burns receiving multiple warnings. In round three, Johnson would again be poked in the eye, resulting in a cracked retina that rendered him unable to continue. However, referee Steve Mazzagatti controversially declared Burns the winner via technical knockout.[13] Johnson appealed the loss, but it was denied due to a 'lack of remedy'.[14] [15]

Johnson fought Kevin Burns again in a rematch at The Ultimate Fighter 8 Finale.[16] Johnson won the match by knocking Burns out via head kick.[17] The knockout was awarded "Knockout of The Night" and a $25,000 bonus.[18]

Johnson fought Luigi Fioravanti at on February 7, 2009. He won via technical knockout in the first round.[19]

Johnson was scheduled to fight Matt Brown at the TUF 9 Finale, but had to pull out after suffering a knee injury. Johnson instead fought Japanese judoka Yoshiyuki Yoshida at UFC 104. Johnson weighed in at 176 pounds, five pounds over the welterweight non-title bout limit of 171, and was forced to forfeit 20% of his fight purse. Johnson knocked out Yoshida 41 seconds into the first round, but was not eligible for the Knockout of the Night bonus due to missing weight.[20]

Since he had taken very little damage during his fight with Yoshida, Johnson made a quick turnaround and faced Josh Koscheck on November 21, 2009, at UFC 106.[21] Both Johnson and Koscheck were awarded Fight of the Night honors for the contest, which saw Koscheck win via rear naked choke.

Johnson was expected to face John Howard on March 21, 2010, at,[22] but had to pull out due to suffering a knee injury in training.[23]

Because of the knee injury, Johnson considered a move to the middleweight division of the UFC.[24] Johnson indicated on the June 4, 2010, episode of Inside MMA that he must typically lose 55 pounds to make 170. Despite this, Johnson said that although he may take a fight at 185, he does not plan to remain there and intends to stay at 170.

Johnson returned to the octagon in early 2011. He faced Dan Hardy on March 26, 2011, at UFC Fight Night 24.[25] Johnson used superior wrestling and controlled Hardy to a unanimous decision victory, dropping him with a left head kick in the first round.

Johnson was expected to face Nate Marquardt in what would have been his first main event on June 26, 2011, at UFC on Versus 4 but was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Rick Story.[26]

Johnson went on to face Charlie Brenneman at UFC on Versus 6. He won the fight via first-round KO, earning Knockout of the Night honors.[27]

For his next fight, Johnson attempted to move up to middleweight to face Vitor Belfort on January 14, 2012, at UFC 142.[28] Leading up to the UFC 142 weigh-ins, doctors advised Johnson to terminate his weight cut and rehydrate. Johnson came in at 197 lb, 11 pounds over the middleweight division limit. The fight remained scheduled under the stipulation that Johnson would not weigh over 205 lb on fight day and would forfeit 20% of his purse to Belfort. On fight day, Johnson officially weighed in at 204.2 lb, and Belfort won via first round submission.[29] Following the loss, Johnson was released from the promotion for disciplinary reasons due to missing weight yet again.[30]

Titan Fighting Championships

After being released from the UFC, Johnson fought fellow UFC veteran David Branch at Titan Fighting Championships 22.[31] On the day of the weigh ins for the fight, Johnson once again missed making the 186 lb limit for the middleweight division, as he weighed in at 194.2 lb, 8.2 lb overweight. Branch was notified the morning of the weigh in that Johnson was not going to make weight, so as a result he weighed in at 189 lb. The bout was then agreed upon as a catchweight bout at 195 lb. This marked the fourth time in Johnson's professional career that he had weighed in over the assigned weight limit. Johnson won the fight via unanimous decision (30–27 on all cards).

Johnson made his light heavyweight debut at Titan Fighting Championships 24 against former King of the Cage Super Heavyweight Champion Esteves Jones, Johnson won via TKO in just 51 seconds of the second round.[32]

Independent promotions

Johnson fought Jake Rosholt at Xtreme Fight Night 9.[33] Johnson won the fight by TKO due to a head kick in the second round.

World Series of Fighting

Johnson faced Bellator veteran D.J. Linderman at WSOF 1 on November 3, 2012.[34] He won the fight via KO in the first round.

Johnson fought at heavyweight against Andrei Arlovski on March 23, 2013, at WSOF 2,[35] and won via unanimous decision.

Johnson was scheduled to face Strikeforce vet Mike Kyle on September 14, 2013, at WSOF 5. However Johnson was forced out of the bout due to an injury.[36]

Johnson vs. Mike Kyle eventually took place on January 18, 2014, at WSOF 8 in Hollywood, Florida.[37] Johnson won the fight via knockout in the first round.[38] [39]

Return to UFC

On February 4, 2014, it was announced that Johnson signed a four-fight deal to return to the UFC and would remain a light heavyweight, and he would face top contender Phil Davis on April 27 at UFC 172.[40] [41] Despite being a nearly 3-to-1 underdog, Johnson was successful in his return, defeating Davis via unanimous decision after defending all of Davis' takedown attempts and dominating all three rounds on the feet.[42]

Johnson next faced Antônio Rogério Nogueira in the co-main event on July 26, 2014, at UFC on Fox 12.[43] [44] He won the fight via KO at just 44 seconds into the first round.[45] The win also earned Johnson his first Performance of the Night bonus award.[46]

Suspension from UFC and return

On September 19, 2014, news surfaced about Johnson being suspected of domestic violence against the mother of his two children.[47] Soon after, Johnson claimed to be innocent.[48] Due to the suspicion, UFC released a statement that Johnson was being indefinitely suspended until the case was investigated.[49] On November 6, 2014, the UFC lifted Johnson's suspension after the civil case was dismissed, clearing him to fight.[50]

Johnson fought Alexander Gustafsson on January 24, 2015, at UFC on Fox 14 with the promise that the winner would earn a title shot against Jon Jones.[51] Johnson won the one-sided bout via TKO in the first round, becoming the first to stop Gustafsson due to strikes.[52] The win also earned Johnson his second Performance of the Night bonus award.[53]

Johnson was expected to face Jon Jones on May 23, 2015, at UFC 187.[54] However, on April 28, it was announced that Jones had been stripped of the UFC Light heavyweight title and suspended indefinitely due to a felony hit-and-run charge. Johnson faced Daniel Cormier for the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Early in the first round, Johnson became the first man to knock down Cormier, but failed to get the finish. Cormier eventually won the fight via rear naked-choke submission in round three.[55]

Johnson was expected to face Jan Błachowicz on September 5, 2015, at UFC 191.[56] However, Johnson was pulled from the bout on July 30 in favor of a fight with Jimi Manuwa at the event instead.[57] After dominating the first round with his wrestling, Johnson won via knockout early in the second round.[58] [59]

Johnson next faced Ryan Bader on January 30, 2016, at UFC on Fox 18.[60] Bader went for a takedown almost immediately, which Johnson defended. Bader then threatened a kimura off his back, but Johnson again defended it before moving to mount and winning via knockout.[61] The win also earned Johnson his fourth Performance of the Night bonus award.[62]

Johnson was expected to face Glover Teixeira on July 23, 2016, at UFC on Fox 20, but was pulled from the card due to undisclosed reasons.[63] The bout was rescheduled and eventually took place at UFC 202.[64] Johnson defeated Teixeira by knockout 13 seconds into the first round and was awarded his fifth Performance of the Night bonus.[65] [66]

A rematch with champion Daniel Cormier was expected to take place on December 10, 2016, at UFC 206.[67] However, Cormier pulled out of the fight on November 25 citing an injury and as a result, Johnson was removed from the card.[68] The pairing was rescheduled again and eventually took place on April 8, 2017, at UFC 210.[69] Johnson decided to use his wrestling as his main offense, a decision which frustrated his corner, and led to him becoming fatigued and losing the fight via rear naked choke submission in the second round. After the fight, Johnson announced his retirement from the UFC and combat sports effective immediately.[70] [71]

In 2017, Johnson switched to Combat Sports, an open gym club, and CSMMA after Blackzilians ceased operations across the Florida area.

In August 2019, 2 years after initially announcing his retirement, Johnson confirmed that he would be re-entering the USADA testing pool. Despite initial claims about moving up to heavyweight, Johnson eventually decided to stay in the light heavyweight division.[72] In October 2019, Johnson confirmed he was in talks with the UFC brass to come back as part of the heavyweight division and would like to return in April 2020.[73] However, he eventually entered the testing pool in late August 2020, and would have been eligible to compete in February 2021.[74]

Bellator MMA

On December 9, 2020, it was announced that Johnson had parted ways with the UFC and had signed a multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA.[75]

On February 9, 2021, it was announced that Johnson would be participating in the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Tournament. He was scheduled to face Yoel Romero in the quarterfinal round at Bellator 257 on April 16[76] but on March 26, it was announced that the bout would be moved to Bellator 258 on May 7.[77] On April 29, it was announced that Yoel had failed his pre-fight medical exam and the bout was scrapped and Romero was removed from the tournament.[78] The next day, it was announced that Jose Augusto would replace Yoel in the bout and the Grand Prix.[79] After surviving being dropped in the first round, Johnson won via knockout in the second round.[80]

In the semi-finals of the Grand Prix, Johnson was scheduled to face the champion Vadim Nemkov, with the Bellator Light Heavyweight Championship on the line, on October 16, 2021, at Bellator 268.[81] On September 18, it was announced that Anthony Johnson was forced to pull out of the bout and the tournament due to an unspecified illness. Johnson was hopeful to return to action in 2022.[82]

Personal life and death

After martial arts competition, Johnson launched a CBD oil company, Competitive Body Development. In early 2019, Johnson was appointed as the head of fighter relations for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.[83]

Johnson was suffering from a form of cancer known as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, an auto-immune disease. He died of organ failure on November 13, 2022.[84]

Legal trouble

Domestic violence charges and accusations

In 2010, Johnson was convicted of a 2009 domestic battery charge after he pleaded no contest. He was sentenced to serve three years of probation. He was also charged with making criminal threats and property damage for allegedly breaking the victim's cell phone, but those charges were thrown out.[85]

In March 2014, Johnson was accused of domestic abuse in Arkansas towards his ex-girlfriend and mother of his children. A police report that was revealed to the public in September 2014 included statements from Johnson's ex in which she alleged Johnson came to her work, physically approached her, grabbed her shirt behind the neck and lifted her up from the chair on which she was sitting. She continued by saying that Johnson then grabbed her right arm and forcefully pulled on it several times to pull her closer to him, and that he verbally abused her in front of several coworkers. The police report also stated that the girlfriend had visible bruising on her arm and scratches near her collarbone. Police said that Johnson's girlfriend was crying and shaking while giving her side of what happened. No charges were filed.

Johnson was arrested on May 5, 2019, in Boca Raton, Florida after an incident with his girlfriend. Johnson's girlfriend alleged that during an argument, Johnson became angry, picked her up, and carried her into another room. Stating that she was fearful for her safety, Johnson's girlfriend then called 911. Police officers arrived and placed Johnson under arrest and took him to the Palm Beach County jail, where he was booked on charges of domestic battery (by law, any act of non-consensual touching could be considered battery). Johnson was released hours later on recognizance, meaning he signed a court order promising to show up for future court dates.[86] At his arraignment on May 15, Johnson pleaded not guilty.[87] The case was ultimately dismissed, with the charges against Johnson being dropped when he reached a joint agreement with the prosecutors by agreeing to attend an anger management course. In addition, he was required to attend biweekly drug testing due to testing positive for marijuana, thus neglecting his bail conditions.[88]

Other legal issues

On May 11, 2021, Johnson was arrested in Fairfield County, Connecticut and charged with identity theft after allegedly using a stolen credit card to pay for a flight from Newark, New Jersey to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in November 2019. Johnson was released on $500 bond.[89]

Championships and achievements

Amateur wrestling

Mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts record

|-|Win|align=center| 23–6|José Augusto Azevedo|KO (punch)|Bellator 258||align=center|2|align=center|1:30|Uncasville, Connecticut, United States||-|Loss|align=center|22–6|Daniel Cormier|Submission (rear-naked choke)|UFC 210||align=center|2|align=center|3:37|Buffalo, New York, United States||-|Win|align=center|22–5|Glover Teixeira| KO (punch)|UFC 202||align=center|1|align=center|0:13|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Win|align=center|21–5|Ryan Bader|KO (punches)|||align=center|1|align=center|1:26|Newark, New Jersey, United States||-| Win|align=center|20–5|Jimi Manuwa|KO (punches)|UFC 191||align=center|2|align=center|0:28|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-| Loss|align=center|19–5|Daniel Cormier|Submission (rear-naked choke)|UFC 187||align=center|3|align=center|2:39|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-| Win| align=center| 19–4| Alexander Gustafsson| TKO (punches)| | | align=center|1| align=center|2:15| Stockholm, Sweden||-| Win| align=center| 18–4| Antônio Rogério Nogueira| KO (punches)| | | align=center|1| align=center|0:44| San Jose, California, United States||-| Win|align=center| 17–4| Phil Davis| Decision (unanimous)|UFC 172||align=center| 3|align=center| 5:00|Baltimore, Maryland, United States||-| Win|align=center| 16–4| Mike Kyle| KO (punches)|WSOF 8||align=center| 1|align=center| 2:03|Hollywood, Florida, United States||-|Win|align=center| 15–4| Andrei Arlovski| Decision (unanimous)|WSOF 2| |align=center| 3|align=center| 5:00| Atlantic City, New Jersey United States||-|Win|align=center| 14–4| D.J. Linderman| KO (punch)|WSOF 1| |align=center| 1|align=center| 3:58| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Win|align=center| 13–4| Jake Rosholt| TKO (head kick)|Xtreme Fight Night 9| |align=center| 2|align=center| 4:22| Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States||-|Win|align=center| 12–4| Esteves Jones| TKO (punches)|Titan Fighting Championships 24| |align=center| 2|align=center| 0:51| Kansas City, Kansas, United States| |-|Win|align=center| 11–4| David Branch| Decision (unanimous)|Titan Fighting Championships 22| |align=center| 3|align=center| 5:00| Kansas City, Kansas, United States| |-|Loss|align=center| 10–4| Vitor Belfort| Submission (rear-naked choke)|UFC 142| |align=center| 1|align=center| 4:49| Rio de Janeiro, Brazil| |-|Win|align=center| 10–3| Charlie Brenneman| KO (head kick)| | |align=center| 1|align=center| 2:49| Washington, D.C., United States||-|Win|align=center| 9–3| Dan Hardy| Decision (unanimous)| | |align=center| 3|align=center| 5:00| Seattle, Washington, United States||-|Loss|align=center| 8–3| Josh Koscheck| Submission (rear-naked choke)| UFC 106| |align=center| 2|align=center| 4:47| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States| |-|Win|align=center| 8–2 | Yoshiyuki Yoshida| TKO (punches)| UFC 104| |align=center| 1|align=center| 0:41| Los Angeles, California, United States| |-|Win|align=center| 7–2| Luigi Fioravanti| TKO (punches)| | |align=center| 1|align=center| 4:39| Tampa, Florida, United States||-|Win|align=center| 6–2| Kevin Burns| KO (head kick)| | |align=center| 3|align=center| 0:28| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States| |-| Loss|align=center| 5–2| Kevin Burns| TKO (eye injury)| | |align=center| 3|align=center| 3:35| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States| |-|Win|align=center| 5–1| Tom Speer| KO (punches)| | |align=center| 1|align=center| 0:51| Broomfield, Colorado, United States||-|Loss|align=center| 4–1| Rich Clementi| Submission (rear-naked choke)| UFC 76| |align=center| 2|align=center| 3:05| Anaheim, California, United States| |-|Win|align=center| 4–0| Chad Reiner| KO (punches)| | |align=center| 1|align=center| 0:13| Hollywood, Florida, United States||-|Win|align=center| 3–0| Keith Wilson| Decision (majority)| Rocky Mountain Nationals: Demolition| |align=center| 2|align=center| 5:00| Denver, Colorado, United States||-|Win|align=center| 2–0| Rich Moskowitz| Decision (unanimous)| Rocky Mountain Nationals: Demolition| |align=center| 2|align=center| 5:00| Denver, Colorado, United States||-|Win|align=center| 1–0| Jonathan Romero| TKO (punches)| PF 2: Live MMA| |align=center| 1|align=center| 1:09| Hollywood, California, United States|

Pay-per-view bouts

!No.!Event!Fight!Date!Venue!City!PPV Buys
1.UFC 187Johnson vs. CormierMay 23, 2015MGM Grand Garden ArenaLas Vegas, Nevada, United States375,000[91]
2.UFC 210Cormier vs. Johnson 2April 8, 2017KeyBank CenterBuffalo, New York, United States300,000[92]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Fight Card – UFC 172 Jones vs. Teixeira. UFC.com. May 3, 2014.
  2. Web site: UFC 187 title hopefuls Belfort, Johnson form alliance after fierce fight . Case . Keefer . May 22, 2015 . Las Vegas Sun.
  3. Web site: Glenn Robinsons' JACO gym seeks court order against former Blackzilians coach Henri Hooft. Steven Marrocco. mmajunkie.com. September 6, 2017.
  4. Web site: Wrestling National Champions - Updated 04/18/2011 . NJCAA.org . May 31, 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120529183520/http://www.njcaa.org/news/NEW%20RECORD%20BOOK/Wrestling_Record_Book_04182011_for_web.pdf . May 29, 2012 .
  5. Web site: BlackZilians Fighter Page for Anthony Johnson . August 19, 2014.
  6. News: Stets . Michael . July 29, 2013 . Anthony Johnson Talks Ray Sefo Fighting at WSOF 4, Being in the Movie 'Warrior' . Bleacher Report, Inc. .
  7. Web site: UFC Fighter Rankings . ufc.com. April 28, 2014.
  8. News: Okamoto: Anthony Johnson's title trek. ESPN.com. March 20, 2017.
  9. Web site: Anthony Johnson, Rumble On . UFC Magazine . July 23, 2014 . March 16, 2015.
  10. Web site: 411 MMA Interview: A Few Rounds with Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson . Oliver . Bren . 411 Mania . April 18, 2008 . March 16, 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150715081911/http://411mania.com/mma/411-mma-interview-a-few-rounds-with-anthony-rumble-johnson/ . July 15, 2015 .
  11. Web site: Anthony Johnson . . March 16, 2015.
  12. Web site: Tom Speer Vs Anthony Johnson Fight Video UFC Fight Night 13 . Mmatko.com . February 7, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120330180929/http://www.mmatko.com/tom-speer-vs-anthony-johnson-fight-video-ufc-fight-night-13/ . March 30, 2012 . dead . mdy-all .
  13. Shnerer, Ariel. The Fight Network "UFC Fight Night 14 Suspensions – Johnson Appeals"
  14. Web site: September 12, 2008. Exclusive: NSAC Rejects Anthony Johnson's Appeal. February 7, 2012. MMAFrenzy.com.
  15. Web site: July 28, 2008. Anthony Johnson Loses Appeal; Loss Via Eye-Pokes Will Stand. February 7, 2012. Cagepotato. August 24, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090824233122/http://www.cagepotato.com/2008/09/15/anthony-johnson-loses-appeal-loss-via-eye-pokes-will-stand/. dead.
  16. Web site: Goyder . James . Anthony Johnson vs Kevin Burns UFC Fight Night 14 fight booked . MMAmania.com . June 17, 2008 . February 7, 2012.
  17. Web site: Johnson and Gouveia Impress at TUF 8 Finale . Martin . Damon . MMA Weekly . December 13, 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20091011205954/http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=7782&zoneid=13 . October 11, 2009 . January 25, 2015.
  18. Web site: Browning, Kaplan, Johnson, Soszynski earn $25K TUF 8 Finale bonuses . MMAjunkie.com . December 14, 2008 . February 7, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121026121600/http://mmajunkie.com/news/13473/browning-kaplan-johnson-soszynski-earn-tuf-8-finale-bonuses.mma . October 26, 2012 .
  19. Web site: Luigi Fioravanti vs. Anthony Johnson on tap for UFC Fight Night 17 . January 3, 2009 .
  20. News: UFC 104's Anthony Johnson: "As soon as I didn't make weight, my life changed. I . mmajunkie.com . October 27, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20091029221849/http://mmajunkie.com/news/16634/ufc-104s-anthony-johnson-as-soon-as-i-didnt-make-weight-my-life-changed.mma . October 29, 2009 . dead .
  21. News: Josh Koscheck vs. Anthony Johnson in the works for UFC 106 . fiveknuckles.com . October 28, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20091031095655/http://www.fiveknuckles.com/mma-news/Josh-Koscheck-vs-Anthony-Johnson-in-the-works-for-UFC-106.html . October 31, 2009 . dead .
  22. News: Anthony Johnson vs. John Howard targeted for UFC Fight Night 21 main card . mmajunkie.com . January 7, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100109182548/http://mmajunkie.com/news/17458/anthony-johnson-vs-john-howard-targeted-for-ufc-fight-night-21-main-card.mma . January 9, 2010 . dead . mdy-all .
  23. News: Anthony Johnson injured, withdraws from UFC on Versus 1 bout with John Howard . mmajunkie.com . February 15, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100324120948/http://mmajunkie.com/news/17943/anthony-johnson-injured-withdraws-from-ufc-on-versus-1-bout-with-john-howard.mma . March 24, 2010 . dead . mdy-all .
  24. Web site: Morgan . John . UFC's Anthony Johnson and camp considering move to middleweight class . MMAjunkie.com . May 24, 2010 . February 7, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121026121614/http://mmajunkie.com/news/19272/ufcs-anthony-johnson-and-camp-considering-move-to-middleweight-class.mma . October 26, 2012 .
  25. Web site: Dan Hardy vs. Anthony Johnson likely UFC Fight Night 24 co-headliner . mmajunkie.com . December 26, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20101230152750/http://mmajunkie.com/news/21857/dan-hardy-vs-anthony-johnson-likely-ufc-fight-night-24-co-headliner.mma . December 30, 2010 .
  26. Web site: Anthony Johnson out, Rick Story steps in to face Nate Marquardt at UFC on Versus 4. mmajunkie.com. June 2, 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20110605020146/http://mmajunkie.com/news/23846/anthony-johnson-out-rick-story-steps-in-to-face-nate-marquardt-at-ufc-on-versus-4.mma. June 5, 2011.
  27. Web site: Charlie Brenneman vs Anthony Johnson fight booked for UFC on Versus 6 in Oct.. mmamania.com . July 16, 2011.
  28. Web site: Vitor Belfort vs. Anthony Johnson slated for UFC 142 in Brazil . MMAJunkie.com . November 1, 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120104104657/http://mmajunkie.com/news/25904/vitor-belfort-vs-anthony-johnson-slated-for-ufc-142-in-brazil.mma . January 4, 2012 .
  29. Web site: Anthony Johnson weighs 204.2 pounds, UFC 142 co-main event is on . MMAJunkie.com . January 14, 2012 . January 14, 2012 . dead . https://archive.today/20120712111919/http://mmajunkie.com/news/26975/anthony-johnson-weighs-204-2-pounds-ufc-142-co-main-event-is-on.mma . July 12, 2012 . mdy-all .
  30. Web site: UFC releases Anthony Johnson following UFC 142 loss . John Morgan . January 15, 2012 . mmajunkie.com . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120117195942/http://mmajunkie.com/news/26982/anthony-johnson-released-from-ufc.mma . January 17, 2012 .
  31. News: Anthony Johnson vs. David Branch Set as Main Event for Titan Fighting 22. Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos . April 10, 2012. mmaweekly.com.
  32. Web site: Titan 24 adds Anthony Johnson vs Esteves Jones, Braulio Estima vs Chris Holland for Aug. 24 in Kansas City. July 26, 2012. mmamania.com.
  33. Web site: Report: Anthony Johnson Will Fight Jake Rosholt Four Weeks After His Light-Heavyweight Debut. July 30, 2012. cagepotato.com.
  34. Web site: Anthony Johnson to Collide with D.J. Linderman at Inaugural World Series of Fighting MMA Event. sherdog.com. October 5, 2012.
  35. Web site: World Series of Fighting inks deal with NBC Sports Network, Arlovski vs. Johnson. mmajunkie.com. February 4, 2013.
  36. Web site: Andrei Arlovski Replaces Injured Anthony Johnson, Faces Mike Kyle at WSOF 5. sherdog.com. August 9, 2013.
  37. Web site: WSOF 8 slated for Jan. 18 with Gaethje-Cavalcante title fight, Johnson-Kyle, Bollinger-Nam. mmajunkie.com. December 3, 2013.
  38. News: WSOF 8 Fight Highlight Video: Anthony Johnson Flattens Mike Kyle. Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos . mmaweekly.com. January 19, 2014.
  39. Web site: WSOF 8 results: Justin Gaethje, Jessica Aguilar seize inaugural titles; Anthony Johnson flattens Mike Kyle. mmafighting.com. January 18, 2014.
  40. Web site: Download or listen to MMAjunkie Radio #1655 with Anthony Johnson, Sarah Kaufman. mmajunkie.com. February 5, 2014. February 4, 2014.
  41. Web site: Anthony Johnson returns to the UFC, will face Phil Davis at UFC 172. bloodyelbow.com. Brent Brookhouse. February 4, 2014. February 4, 2014. February 4, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140204182813/http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/2/4/5377354/anthony-johnson-returns-to-the-ufc-will-face-phil-davis-at-ufc-172. dead.
  42. Web site: Anthony Johnson Dominates Phil Davis At UFC 172 . Fight of the Night . April 26, 2014 . April 27, 2014 . Cole, Ross.
  43. Web site: Anthony Johnson vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira slated for UFC on FOX 12. mmajunkie.com. Dann Stupp. May 8, 2014. May 8, 2014.
  44. Web site: Anthony Johnson Vs Antonio Rogerio Nogueira Set For UFC On FOX 12 . Fight of the Night . May 8, 2014 . May 13, 2014 . Cole, Ross.
  45. News: UFC on FOX 12 results, photos: Anthony Johnson destroys Antonio Rogerio Nogueira . MMAjunkie.com . Steven Marrocco. July 26, 2014.
  46. Web site: UFC on FOX 12 bonuses: Lawler, Brown, Johnson, Bermudez win $50,000. Staff. mmajunkie.com. July 26, 2014. July 26, 2014.
  47. Web site: Mother of Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson's children gets restraining order, tells police of threats and history of abuse. Brent Brookhouse. Sep 19, 2014. bloodyelbow.com.
  48. Web site: UFC's Anthony Johnson apologizes for meltdown, but insists he's innocent following domestic violence allegations. Jesse Holland. mmamania.com. September 20, 2014.
  49. Web site: UFC statement on Anthony Johnson. September 19, 2014. ufc.com.
  50. http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/11/6/7170651/mma-news-ufc-ends-anthony-johnsons-suspension-civil-case-domestic-violence "UFC ends Anthony Johnson's suspension after civil case is dismissed"
  51. Web site: Alexander Gustafsson vs. Anthony Johnson slated for UFC on FOX 14 in Sweden. mmajunkie.com. Dann Stupp. November 12, 2014. November 12, 2014.
  52. Web site: Anthony Johnson TKOs Alexander Gustafsson at UFC Stockholm. cbssports.com. Brandon Wise. January 24, 2015. January 25, 2015.
  53. Web site: UFC on FOX 14 bonuses: Who joined 'Rumble' Johnson in getting $50,000 richer?. mmajunkie.com. Staff. January 24, 2015.
  54. News: Jones-Johnson, Weidman-Belfort, Cerrone-Nurmagomedov top UFC 187 in May. mmajunkie.com. Staff. February 19, 2015. February 19, 2015.
  55. Web site: Jon Jones stripped of title, Daniel Cormier vs. Anthony Johnson for belt headlines UFC 187. mmafighting.com. Marc Raimondi. April 28, 2015. April 28, 2015.
  56. Web site: Anthony Johnson's next fight set against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 191 on Sept. 5. mmamania.com. Thomas Myers. July 16, 2015. July 16, 2015.
  57. Web site: Anthony Johnson now faces Jimi Manuwa at UFC 191 in Las Vegas. foxsports.com. Damon Martin. July 30, 2015. July 30, 2015.
  58. Web site: UFC 191 results: Anthony Johnson drills Jimi Manuwa for second-round knockout. mmajunkie.com. Steven Marrocco. September 5, 2015. September 5, 2015.
  59. Web site: UFC 191 Bonuses: John Lineker, Francisco Rivera garner $50K for wild slugfest. sherdog.com. Tristen Critchfield. September 5, 2015. September 5, 2015.
  60. Web site: UFC Returns to Newark for FOX Show in Jan.. ufc.com. Thomas Gerbasi. November 4, 2015. November 4, 2015.
  61. Web site: UFC on FOX 18 results: Anthony Johnson powers through Ryan Bader in quick fashion. mmajunkie.com. John Morgan. January 30, 2016. January 30, 2016.
  62. Web site: UFC on FOX 18 bonuses: Jimmie Rivera, Iuri Alcantara cash in for 'Fight of the Night'. mmajunkie.com. Staff. January 30, 2016. January 30, 2016.
  63. Web site: Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson vs. Glover Teixeira set as co-main event in Chicago. foxsports.com. Damon Martin. May 5, 2016. May 5, 2016.
  64. Web site: Morgan. John. UFC 202 adds Anthony Johnson vs. Glover Teixeira, Donald Cerrone vs. Rick Story. MMA Junkie. June 28, 2016. June 28, 2016.
  65. Web site: UFC 202: Anthony Johnson rocks Glover Teixeira's world with 13-second knockout. cbssports.com. Brandon Wise. August 20, 2016. August 20, 2016.
  66. Web site: UFC 202 bonuses: McGregor, Diaz, Johnson, Cerrone receive $50K awards. sherdog.com. Tristen Critchfield. August 20, 2016. August 20, 2016.
  67. News: Daniel Cormier vs. Anthony Johnson rematch set for UFC 206. mmafighting.com. Dave Doyle. October 5, 2016. October 5, 2016.
  68. Web site: Daniel Cormier withdraws from UFC 206 fight vs. Anthony Johnson. espn.com. Brett Okamoto. November 26, 2016. November 26, 2016.
  69. Web site: Daniel Cormier vs. Anthony Johnson 2 set for UFC 210 in Buffalo. Damon Martin. foxsports.com. January 25, 2017. January 25, 2017.
  70. Web site: UFC 210 results: Champ Daniel Cormier submits Anthony Johnson again, thrives as villain. Steven Marrocco. mmajunkie.com. April 9, 2017. April 9, 2017.
  71. Web site: No longer 'Rumble,' Anthony Johnson posts farewell retirement message following UFC 210. Staff. mmajunkie.com. April 10, 2017. April 10, 2017.
  72. Web site: Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson explains coming back to UFC after being against fighters returning from retirement. Damon Martin. mmafighting.com. August 18, 2020.
  73. Web site: Anthony Johnson wants UFC return in April, but isn't in USADA testing pool yet. BloodyElbow.com. October 8, 2019. October 10, 2019.
  74. Web site: Anthony Johnson eligible for UFC return in early 2021 after officially re-entering USADA drug testing pool . Adam Guillen Jr.. mmamania.com. August 25, 2020.
  75. Web site: Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson agrees to terms with Bellator MMA after parting ways with UFC. Brian Campbell. cbssports.com. December 9, 2020.
  76. Web site: Bellator announces 8-man light heavyweight grand prix featuring 'Rumble' vs. Romero. Simon Somano. MMA Junkie. February 9, 2021. February 9, 2021.
  77. Web site: Lee . Alexander K. . Anthony Johnson vs. Yoel Romero moved to Bellator 258 amid light heavyweight grand prix schedule shift . MMA Fighting . 26 March 2021 . en . 26 March 2021.
  78. Web site: Yoel Romero out of Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix after failing pre-fight medical screening. 2021-04-30. CBSSports.com. April 30, 2021 . en.
  79. Web site: 2021-04-30. Anthony Johnson gets replacement opponent for Bellator 258 grand prix bout. 2021-05-01. MMA Junkie. en-US.
  80. Web site: Anderson. Jay. 2021-05-07. Bellator 258 Results: Anthony Johnson Survives Early Scare, KO's Jose Augusto. 2021-05-08. Cageside Press. en-US.
  81. Web site: Vadim Nemkov vs. Anthony Johnson, Ryan Bader vs. Corey Anderson set for Oct. 16 in Phoenix. 2021-08-01. CBSSports.com. July 31, 2021 . en.
  82. Web site: 2021-09-18. Anthony Johnson has 'never been this afraid of anything in my life' as non-COVID illness pauses career. 2021-09-18. MMA Junkie. en-US.
  83. News: Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson 'at peace' in retirement, excited for new role at BKFC. Damon Martin. Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos . mmaweekly.com. April 2, 2019.
  84. Web site: 2022-11-13 . Former UFC title challenger Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson dead at 38; MMA community mourns . 2022-11-13 . MMA Junkie . en-US.
  85. Web site: Police reports detail another domestic violence allegation against Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson. BloodyElbow.com. September 25, 2014.
  86. Web site: Former UFC fighter Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson charged with domestic battery. bloodyelbow.com. May 7, 2019. May 7, 2019.
  87. Web site: Ex-UFC fighter Anthony Johnson pleads not guilty; attorney scoffs at domestic violence charge. MMAJunkie.com. May 15, 2019. May 23, 2019.
  88. Web site: Reports: Anthony Johnson cops plea on battery case, plans UFC return. Steven Marrocco. mmafighting.com. August 27, 2019.
  89. Web site: Man Nabbed For ID Theft In Fairfield County, Police Say. Daily Voice. Zak Failla. May 11, 2021. May 11, 2021.
  90. Web site: UFC - Career Stats. UFC . May 8, 2023. May 8, 2023.
  91. Web site: UFC 187: Johnson vs. Cormier MMA Event . 2022-09-13 . Tapology . en.
  92. Web site: UFC 210: Cormier vs. Johnson 2 MMA Event . 2022-09-13 . Tapology . en.