Anthony Johnson (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Former UFC fighter Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson (11-4) has been plagued by failed welterweight weight cuts for several years and eventually culminated in his dismissal from the top promotion after failing to make weight at middleweight last January at UFC 142.
Johnson weighed in at 197-lbs for his bout with Vitor Belfort in Brazil, and following a loss to ‘The Phenom’, ‘Rumble’ was released from the UFC.
Johnson then went on to sign with Titan Fighting Championships and fought at a 195-lbs catchweight in his debut after another failed bid to fight at middleweight.
Now the current Blackzillian team member is ready to try his hand at light heavyweight.
Speaking to MMAWeekly.com, Johnson said it was “now or never” for a move to 205-lbs.
“I sat down with my coaches and we just decided that 205 would be best for me. That way I can perform even better and I don’t have much to worry about, if anything. We’re excited about it and I feel good about it already. I already feel like I have more energy, more strength, and I’m excited about it.”
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“It’s like it’s either now or never. Now’s the time and I’ve just got to run with it. Each camp I feel a little bit better, I keep improving, doing better things inside the gym, and outside of the gym. Everything is progressing more and more even though I’ve had my ups and downs,” Johnson said.
“I know I can fight at 205, that won’t be a problem. Cause I have the size, speed and the strength for it. I probably should have been fighting 205 a long time ago, but just being me thinking I can do it all, making dumb decisions, maturing, it’s going to work out.”