UFC Lifts Suspension of Anthony Johnson, After Domestic Abuse-Related Civil Case Is Dismissed


(Photo via Getty)

Seven weeks after Anthony Johnson was indefinitely suspended by the UFC following accusations of abuse and intimidation from the mother of two of his children, the UFC light-heavyweight contender has been cleared to compete again. The UFC broke the news earlier today in an announcement on UFC.com, explaining that the accuser had dropped her complaint. Here’s the full statement:

The person who filed a civil temporary protection order against UFC contender Anthony Johnson last September voluntarily dismissed their complaint last week in the Florida Circuit Court. Before granting a dismissal of the case, the presiding judge independently questioned the alleging party regarding their voluntary intentions, and thereafter the judge dismissed the entire matter.

The dismissal of the case, along with an independent investigation that was commissioned by the UFC organization, brings closure to this matter for Johnson and allows him to return to competition in the UFC. As a result, UFC officials are exploring options for Johnson’s next fight to take place early next year.

The UFC organization will not tolerate domestic violence, sexual assault or any other violation of its Code of Conduct. The organization is committed to thoroughly investigating all allegations and taking the appropriate action when warranted.


(Photo via Getty)

Seven weeks after Anthony Johnson was indefinitely suspended by the UFC following accusations of abuse and intimidation from the mother of two of his children, the UFC light-heavyweight contender has been cleared to compete again. The UFC broke the news earlier today in an announcement on UFC.com, explaining that the accuser had dropped her complaint. Here’s the full statement:

The person who filed a civil temporary protection order against UFC contender Anthony Johnson last September voluntarily dismissed their complaint last week in the Florida Circuit Court. Before granting a dismissal of the case, the presiding judge independently questioned the alleging party regarding their voluntary intentions, and thereafter the judge dismissed the entire matter.

The dismissal of the case, along with an independent investigation that was commissioned by the UFC organization, brings closure to this matter for Johnson and allows him to return to competition in the UFC. As a result, UFC officials are exploring options for Johnson’s next fight to take place early next year.

The UFC organization will not tolerate domestic violence, sexual assault or any other violation of its Code of Conduct. The organization is committed to thoroughly investigating all allegations and taking the appropriate action when warranted.

Let us repeat: “The UFC organization will not tolerate domestic violence, sexual assault or any other violation of its Code of Conduct.” Really. It seems like a good time to remind you that three women have accused Anthony Johnson of roughing them up since 2009 in eerily similar episodes, and Johnson did in fact plead “nolo contendere” to a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence in 2010, after allegedly slamming a woman to the ground and dragging her up a flight of stairs in a headlock. Johnson was on the UFC roster as a welterweight back then, but I suppose he gets off on a technicality because the Code of Conduct didn’t exist back then?

Also, this and this and this and this. But whatever. RUMBLE vs. GUSTAFSSON, WHO YA GOT???