Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Hey, remember when Anthony Johnson landed that Shoryuken on Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC on FOX 12 and they had to fly to the International Space Station to get the Brazilian’s head back?
Now picture that punch with another 60 pounds of muscle behind it, thanks to “Rumble’s” new weight-lifting regimen that has likely put an end to his career at 205 pounds. Hard to believe there was a time when this bruiser ever made the welterweight limit.
“First day hitting pads in two years,” Johnson wrote on Instagram. “Felt alright but alright isn’t good enough for me!!! Wait until I sharpen up these weapons and then it’s huntin’ season!”
Johnson, 35, retired from mixed martial arts (MMA) in the wake of his submission loss to Daniel Cormier at UFC 210. It was the second time “Rumble” was submitted by “DC” after returning from the now-defunct World Series of Fighting (WSOF), but also the only two losses during his light heavyweight run.
With his recent legal issues behind him, Johnson (22-6) has been teasing a UFC return and hopes to light the heavyweight division on fire. Unfortunately, he won’t be the biggest dog in the yard — even with his new physique — in a land ruled by giants like Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou, among others.
Then again, it only takes one punch.