UFC Light Heavyweight terror Anthony Johnson once again staked his claim as the No. 1 contender last night (Sat., Jan. 30, 2016), violently ending Ryan Bader’s five fight winning streak just 86 seconds into the fight. Earning his 10th career knockout inside the Octagon, and 15th overall, MMAmania.com ponders what could be next for “Rumble.”
“Rumble” is a bad man.
There is simply not enough superlatives to define just how dangerous Anthony Johnson is once he steps into the Octagon.
His unique blend of knockout power, coupled with excellent timing and very underrated takedown defense, has made Johnson one of the most difficult puzzles to solve in UFC today.
Ryan Bader sure wasn’t able to figure out the enigma last night (Sat., Jan. 30, 2016), as he quickly became the latest in a long list of “Rumble’s” victims in the main event of UFC on FOX 18 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
“Darth” was hoping to extend his winning streak to six straight en route to a UFC title shot, but as he paced the Octagon during Bruce Buffer’s introductions, Bader truly looked terrified and regretful that he signed on to fight the terror that is Anthony Johnson.
After an ill-fated takedown attempt in the first 10 seconds of the fight, Bader’s night was all but done, and just about a minute later he was lying unconscious on the mat.
The knockout was Johnson’s 10th in his UFC career, and 15th overall.
Check out the highlights here.
With Johnson dominating nearly every top ranked Light Heavyweight contender since rejoining the organization in 2014, there is no doubt as to what’s next for “Rumble.”
Once Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones settle their feud later this year, Johnson will step in as the next man in line to fight for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
Although both Jones and Cormier are focused on the task at hand, you have to believe both men are at least somewhat uneasy about the treacherous possibility of facing off against someone as dangerous as Johnson.
Irregardless of whether or not “Rumble” could actually defeat Cormier or Jones inside the Octagon, his ferocious knockout power is the great equalizer that could help accrue him a UFC title.
Whether Johnson waits on the sidelines for the next six months remains to be seen, but I certainly wouldn’t mind watching him lay waste to another 205-pound contender in the interim.
At the post-fight press conference, “Rumble” noted he would have no problem waiting for a title shot, but then just moments later reversed course, indicating he would take another fight in the interim for a payday.
And how could you blame him when he continues to cash $50,000 bonus checks?
Either way, whenever and whoever Johnson fights next, the MMA world will be watching eagerly.
For complete UFC on FOX 18: “Johnson vs. Bader” results and coverage of all the night’s action click here.