UFC 142 has most likely signaled the end of Anthony “Rumble” Johnson’s current run in the UFC. Johnson’s first-round submission loss to Vitor Belfort on Saturday in his first attempt at the middleweight division, paired with weighing in at a whopping 12 pounds over the weight limit, will most likely result (and deservedly so) in a pink slip from Dana White.
However, with a few tweaks and some major dedication, his path back to the UFC should be simple. As Johnson looks to make the changes he needs to make, a trip to fellow ZUFFA-owned promotion Strikeforce could be the perfect fit.
Johnson is extraordinarily gifted but has chronically underachieved in his time with the organization. What Johnson needs is a wake-up call.
Getting cut is about as much a wake-up call as a fighter can get, and some time in a smaller organization would give Johnson time to really pin down what weight he wants to fight at.
With the dissolution of the heavyweight division, Strikeforce is in need of name power more than ever. Johnson could immediately contend in whichever division he would choose, be it middleweight or light heavyweight.
Despite Johnson’s struggles with his weight, he is extraordinarily gifted and has proven he can win in the UFC. While the UFC wants to teach him a lesson, it should definitely not give up on him. Its goals should be to punish him while keeping an eye on his return.
A move to Strikeforce accomplishes both of those goals while also helping out their sister organization. Sounds like a win-win for Dana White and Co.
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