Fight Path: As War Machine and “TUF 12” beckon, “Tex” Johnson on verge of stardom

Every top fighter has a point in his career when stardom is first within reach.

For tae kwon do black belt Aaron “Tex” Johnson, who’s used MMA to put behind him some past troubles, his time is now.

The Texas native and Georgia fight-circuit veteran next week meets War Machine (formerly Jon Koppenhaver) in the headliner at Wild Bill’s Fight Night 26 in Duluth, Ga. For Johnson, who’s also in the final stages of “The Ultimate Fighter 12” auditions, it could be his final fight before a call-up to the bigs.


Every top fighter has a point in his career when stardom is first within reach.

For tae kwon do black belt Aaron “Tex” Johnson, who’s used MMA to put behind him some past troubles, his time is now.

The Texas native and Georgia fight-circuit veteran next week meets War Machine (formerly Jon Koppenhaver) in the headliner at Wild Bill’s Fight Night 26 in Duluth, Ga. For Johnson, who’s also in the final stages of “The Ultimate Fighter 12” auditions, it could be his final fight before a call-up to the bigs.