Anthony Johnson has a new opponent at UFC 191.
“Rumble” was expected to meet the tough but unheralded Jan Blachowicz on the Sept. 5 card in Las Vegas. But ESPN.com reported on Thursday that Johnson will instead meet Britain’s Jimi Manuwa.
The bout isn’t likely to go the distance, as 26 of the duo’s combined 37 wins are via knockout.
Manuwa (18-4), has been out of action for much of the past two years due to injuries, most recently a broken hand. According to the ESPN report, Manuwa was recently cleared to resume fighting, so UFC officials opted to place him against Johnson.
Johnson (19-5) is looking to rebound to his third-round submission loss to Daniel Cormier at UFC 187 in the bout to fill the vacant light heavyweight title. The loss ended a nine-fight win streak.
Blachowicz is expected to remain on the card against an opponent to be named.