Anthony Johnson signs multi-fight deal with World Series of Fighting; Will face D.J. Linderman on Nov. 3

Dana White recently left the door open for former welterweight Anthony “Rumble” Johnson to return to the promotion in the future. However, that won’t be anytime soon because Johnson has opted to ink an exclusive, multi-fight agreement with World Series of Fighting and will make his debut at the promotion’s inaugural event on November 3 in Las Vegas against D.J. Linderman. 

The fight will headline WSOF’s card, which will air on NBC Sports Network from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino and will also feature former WEC bantamweight champion Miguel Angel Torres taking on two-time national Muy Thai champion Marlon Moraes.

The addition of the heavy hitting Johnson (13-4) is a big coup for the WSOF as they will look to compete with the UFCs and Bellators of the world. Johnson, who was cut by the UFC earlier this year after a well documented history of missing weight, finally made the move to his more natural weight of 205 lbs in August and has scored back to back knockouts in the light heavyweight division over Jake Rosholt and Esteves. It was evident that he could no longer make the welterweight limit of 170 lbs. A move to the UFC’s middleweight division was thought to be the right shift for Johnson but he again failed to make weight against Vitor Belfort at UFC 142. He was choked out and subsequently cut by the promotion. But there is no doubt that Johnson is still a recognizable name in MMA and his devastating striking ability will undoubtedly produce fireworks. 

The 28-year-old member of the Blackzilians fighting team will look to stop Linderman’s three fight winning streak. Linderman is coming off of a TKO victory over Dale Mitchell in July and has fought at heavyweight.