A day after missing weight by an astounding 12 pounds for his UFC 142 bout against Vitor Belfort, Anthony “Rumble” Johnson was finally cut by the UFC.
According to MMAJunkie.com, Johnson was handed his walking papers after a disappointing performance in which he was submitted by the former middleweight No. 1 contender in less than one round.
It wasn’t the loss that cost him his job, though. As Dana White said in the post-fight show on FX, it was very likely “three strikes and you’re gone” for Johnson in regards to missing weight yet again.
“That was one of the most unprofessional things I’ve ever seen,” White said. “He almost ruined the co-main event here in Brazil. I don’t know what else to say about that one. I’m not happy about it.”
A former highly-ranked welterweight contender, Johnson had struggled to make weight before, including failing twice to get down to an acceptable weight in the past.
Many experts had been calling for Johnson to move up a weight class where it would be easier for him to maintain both his strength and stamina and he finally opted to do so at UFC 142 where he made his middleweight debut against Belfort.
Well, that was the plan, anyway.
When Johnson weighed in at 197 pounds, the UFC’s hand was forced as they opted to make the fight a catchweight bout. Both fighters then weighed in prior to the contest on the day of the fight, with Belfort bulking up to 205 pounds and Johnson stepping on the scale at a ridiculous 211 pounds.
The UFC has been tough on fighters who have missed weight in the past and the lack of professionalism shown by Johnson in his move up in weight was the straw that finally broke the camel’s back.
No word has yet come down on whether Johnson will be eligible to return to the promotion anytime soon, but there is little doubt that wherever he goes, he will be looking to get his weight cutting issue under control.
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