Anthony Johnson: I’m A Completely Different Person Than I Used To Be
It has been a very long and hard road to the top for Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, who is currently the No. 1-ranked light heavyweight in the UFC, of course behind current champion Jon “Bones” Jones.
Johnson competed in the UFC’s welterweight division from 2007-2012 and compiled a decent 7-4 record, but he was cut by the promotion after missing weight numerous times. He then put together a very impressive six-fight streak outside of the UFC and was signed back to the roster in 2014. More problems found “Rumble”, when he was suspended a few months ago regarding domestic violence allegations.
With his problems aside, Johnson is back on track and will be the next man to challenge Jones for the belt. Speaking up to MMAJunkie at this past weekend’s (January 31, 2015) UFC 183, he talked about his journey:
“It’s been a little difficult, but I think with the help of my friends and family and the fans, with them believing in me and trusting me and actually understanding who I am, I think they can see that I’m a completely different person than what I used to be.”
Johnson claims that the change of personality is due the weight jump, moving up to 205 pounds where he’s won four straight fights. His last fight was the biggest win of his career, a shocking first round knockout of former No. 1-contender Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson:
“When I was fighting 170 (pounds), I hated everybody,” Johnson said. “But now I’m fighting at 205, and I can eat, I can enjoy myself and I can actually train. So I think that people can tell that the things that I was accused of, I think everybody can tell that’s just not who I am.”
Although “Rumble” may have had some flaws as a welterweight, specifically submission defense, his power has grown even more dangerous as light heavyweight and has helped him with his recent success. Many were picking Gustafsson to win the bout, but Johnson used his brutal power and unleashed a devastating uppercut that dropped “The Mauler”.
The power of “Rumble” is expected to give “Bones” some problems as well when the two meet. Johnson’s teammate, Rashad Evans even predicted that Johnson would knock out Jones with his patented uppercut:
“You know, I never really train uppercuts,” Johnson said. “But for some reason, in fights, they happen. Jon is 6-foot-4 and he’s lanky as hell, so I think I’ve just got to take whatever he gives me.”
The champion is known for fighting his opponent’s type of fight and trying to beat his opponent at their own game, but “Rumble” has no problem with that:
“If you’re good at something, he’ll definitely try to be better at it than you are,” he said. “So I welcome him to it. That’s more exciting for fans.”
Will the Blackzilians product be able to complete his journey to the belt, and take out Jones?
