Anthony Johnson’s resurgence has been one of the best comeback stories in the 21-year history of mixed martial arts.
Rumble was once a talented, yet floundering welterweight struggling to beat the scale then his opponent on fight night, and those inconsistencies led to the South Florida transplant losing his place on the UFC roster in 2012. Being released from Zuffa served as a wake-up call for the heavy-handed veteran, and he took his skill set to a variety of smaller platforms—and a few new weight classes—in order to regain his footing as a mixed martial artist.
The results of Johnson’s decision to move up in weight have been astounding as the Team Blackzilian knockout artist has notched nine consecutive victories inside the cage. Three of those wins have come inside the Octagon, and Johnson has been a force since returning to the UFC in 2014. The 30-year-old Georgia native has earned the opportunity to face Jon Jones for the light heavyweight title, in a bout that will take place later this year.
Nevertheless, in order to claim the No. 1 contender spot, he had to defeat Alexander Gustafsson at UFC on Fox 14, which he did in devastating fashion. Johnson drubbed The Mauler in front of the Swedish striker’s hometown crowd in Stockholm en route to picking up the first-round finish and the right to fight Bones for the light heavyweight strap.
While his victory over the former title challenger was a career highlight for Johnson, he was also aware of how visibly shaken Gustafsson was in the aftermath of the fight. The rangy veteran was not only lamenting his loss but also the fact his long-awaited rematch with Jones had vanished for the time being.
Johnson recently spoke to Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour and opened up about feeling bad for Gustafsson in the moments following their main event clash at UFC on Fox 14.
I did because, I mean, we all knew what the deal was before the fight. He was supposed to have his title shot and then he got injured, and then Jon and DC [Daniel Cormier] had their beef going on, so they let that fight continue, even though I think DC got hurt. And Alex should have had his title shot back then. It should have been Alex fighting instead of DC. But this is the UFC. This is their business so, they can do what they have to do. It’s Zuffa.
It just seems like he’s been through Hell and back to get his rematch for a title, and he just didn’t get his opportunity again. I mean, I felt bad for him. So when he was crying, to me that’s what was going through my head. I was like damn, his dreams just got shot to hell. I just felt bad about it.
Although Johnson may have struggled with his opponent’s emotions in Sweden, he’s turned his aim to the biggest challenge of his career in facing the pound-for-pound great. There is yet to be an official date set for Johnson and Jones to handle their business, but May is the rumored month for the showdown at the current time.
Yet, regardless of when and where, Johnson’s upcoming fight against the longest reigning champion in the history of the UFC’s light heavyweight division will give the resurgent veteran a showcase opportunity to put a definitive stamp on his impressive comeback. Johnson has looked unstoppable during his second run under the Zuffa banner and has built undeniable momentum on his run up the ladder in the 205-pound division.
Should he dethrone Jones to become the new light heavyweight champion, it would be hard to argue Johnson’s redemption inside the Octagon isn’t the best comeback story in MMA history. That said, even if the light heavyweight slugger comes up short against Jones, his battle to reclaim his footing in MMA has still been remarkable to watch.
Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.
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