Anthony Johnson silenced the critics and shut down UFC on FOX 18 opponent Ryan Bader last night (Sat., Jan. 30, 2016) with strikes to secure what will likely be a shot at the 205-pound crown.
“Rumble” picked up his second straight UFC win over “Darth” in Newark, New Jersey in vicious fashion, setting up a future bout against either current Light Heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, or ex-titleholder Jon Jones. Unfortunately for Johnson, there’s no date set for “DC” and “Bones” to have their rematch.
With that being said, he doesn’t mind playing the waiting game.
“That’s the biggest fight of my life,” Johnson said at the post-fight presser (transcription via MMA Junkie). “They want to make me wait that long? I definitely would do it. It gives me plenty of time for me to get ready for whoever … If somebody gets hurt and they need a replacement I’ll definitely jump in if I’m healthy and able to fight.”
That would add to the growing list of contenders waiting for title shots across multiple weight classes.
With the Bader domino falling, Johnson should have a clear path to gold. The Blackzilians representative stands alone in the division, having reeled off two consecutive knockout finishes of Top-10 opponents since he was choked out by Cormier at UFC 187 last May.
Cormier and Jones are expected to collide for the second time in April, though it won’t be in Madison Square Garden, as was originally planned. However, there should be a formal announcement on their pending clash early this week, according to UFC Vice President of Public Relations Dave Sholler.
Stay tuned for much more on the fallout following UFC on FOX 18 by following along here.