“Rumble” Johnson Plans To Hang Up Gloves In Three Years

31-year-old UFC light heavyweight slugger Anthony “Rumble” Johnson is one of the most feared men in mixed martial arts (MMA) today.

Currently ranked No. 1 in the divisional rankings, Johnson has split wins and losses in his last two bouts. He was submitted by reigning champion Daniel Cormier last May, but bounced back with devastating knockout over Jimi Manuwa back at UFC 191 in September.

Now scheduled to headline January 30’s UFC on FOX 19 opposite No. 4-ranked Ryan Bader, “Rumble” could find himself in line for another title shot with a victory.

That being said, it’s surprising to hear a fighter in the prime of his career admit that he may only stay around the fight game for a few more years.

Johnson recently expanded on this in an interview with MMA Junkie Radio:

“I plan on retiring within the next, like, three years. I want to live life without being worried about getting punched and getting up every day and losing weight and all of that craziness. I love the sport and respect the sport, but I want to be able to sit back and have a family and enjoy life besides getting up every morning, having some other guy guy all up on top of me.”

The light heavyweight title is likely to be defended sometime in the coming months when Cormier rematches former champion and former pound for pound king Jon “Bones” Jones.

Johnson was actually set to challenge Jones at UFC 187, but Cormier stepped in after “Bones” was arrested on felony charges and suspended.

If “Rumble” gets by Bader, he could get his rematch with “DC”, or better yet, his shot at Jones.

Here’s to hoping he sticks around long enough to fulfil these potential opportunities.