Jose Augusto Did Not Hesitate to Step in For Bellator 258

Jose Augusto is facing Anthony “Rumble” Johnson at Bellator 258 in the light heavyweight Grand Prix. While he entered late to replace Yoel Romero, Augusto did not hesitate to sign up for a chance at greatness. Augusto has only one fight wit…

Jose Augusto is facing Anthony “Rumble” Johnson at Bellator 258 in the light heavyweight Grand Prix. While he entered late to replace Yoel Romero, Augusto did not hesitate to sign up for a chance at greatness. Augusto has only one fight with Bellator MMA, a first-round submission victory over Jonathan Wilson at Bellator 255. A […]

Anthony Johnson On Jose Augusto: ‘He’s More Dangerous Than Yoel’

Anthony JohnsonAnthony Johnson believes his late replacement opponent, Jose Augusto, is “more dangerous” than his original foe, Yoel Romeo. ‘Rumble’ was supposed to square off against Romero at Bellator 258 in a couple of days. Unfortunately, the former UFC title challenger failed his pre-fight medical and was pulled from the fight. Johnson is keen to end […]

Anthony Johnson

Anthony Johnson believes his late replacement opponent, Jose Augusto, is “more dangerous” than his original foe, Yoel Romeo.

‘Rumble’ was supposed to square off against Romero at Bellator 258 in a couple of days.

Unfortunately, the former UFC title challenger failed his pre-fight medical and was pulled from the fight.

Johnson is keen to end his retirement as soon as possible and therefore accepted a late-notice opponent change.

He’ll now square off against Jose Augusto on Friday night.

Augusto enjoyed an impressive Bellator debut last month.

The Brazilian quickly submitted Jonathan Wilson to stretch his current win streak to five.

In an interview with SCMP MMA, Johnson spoke about Romero exiting the bout and what he expects from Augusto.

“Yeah man, it is what it is. Johnson said. “And I wish I could fight him this weekend, but I got another opponent in Jose, who is on a five-fight win streak. To me, he’s more dangerous than Yoel. This man has everything to gain and nothing to lose. And there were other fighters that wanted to fight me and step in, but their time will come. If they want some sauce, they’ll get it.”

“They had an opponent in mind, but it just wasn’t worth my time and effort. Johnson added. Or they said I could fight Yoel in July, but I’m like, I’m not waiting till July and I done put in all this work to fight Yoel. So big props to Jose, man, for stepping up. I have so much respect for that man just for doing that. Because that’s not just dangerous for me, it’s dangerous for him. But it’s such a big opportunity for him.” (Transcribed by MMA News)

Do you think Anthony Johnson will enjoy a winning return to MMA against Jose Augusto at Bellator 258?

Anthony Johnson: New Opponent Jose Augusto More Dangerous Than Romero

After his scheduled bout with Yoel Romero fizzled, former title challenger Anthony Johnson believes it won’t get any easier when he faces Jose Augusto at Bellator 258. The former UFC title challenger is eager to step back into the cage, and despi…

After his scheduled bout with Yoel Romero fizzled, former title challenger Anthony Johnson believes it won’t get any easier when he faces Jose Augusto at Bellator 258. The former UFC title challenger is eager to step back into the cage, and despite his initial opponent failing pre-fight medical evaluations, Anthony Johnson is ready to make […]

Anthony Johnson vs. Jose Augusto Set For Bellator 258

Anthony JohnsonAnthony Johnson will thankfully still make his return to MMA at Bellator 258. ‘Rumble’ was set to square off against Yoel Romero in what would’ve been both men’s promotional debuts. Unfortunately, that fight fell through last week when the Cuban failed his pre-fight medical. Bellator did not announce a specific cause of the failed medical. […]

Anthony Johnson

Anthony Johnson will thankfully still make his return to MMA at Bellator 258.

‘Rumble’ was set to square off against Yoel Romero in what would’ve been both men’s promotional debuts.

Unfortunately, that fight fell through last week when the Cuban failed his pre-fight medical.

Bellator did not announce a specific cause of the failed medical.

Ariel Helwani revealed an issue with Romero’s eye was the reason for his withdrawal from the bout.

The ESPN reporter also got the scoop on who would replace Romero at Bellator 258.

“Rumble Johnson’s opponent next week will now be Team Pitbull’s Jose Augusto Azevedos Barros (7-2), sources say,” Helwani wrote on social media. “Unbeaten in his last 6. 1-0 in Bellator. Barros replaces Yoel Romero, who didn’t get medically cleared due to an eye issue.”

Before retiring in 2017, Johnson was one of the most feared knockout artists in MMA. ‘Rumble’ fell short in his lone UFC title bid against Daniel Cormier but holds several high profile wins over the likes of Alexander Gustafsson, Jimi Manuwa, Glover Teixeira, Phil Davis and Bellator heavyweight champion, Ryan Bader.

Augusto made his Bellator debut in April. The 29-year-old Brazilian quickly dispatched of Johnathan Wilson, scoring the submission victory inside one round. He’ll be looking to get the biggest win of his MMA career and stretch his unbeaten run to eight later this week.

Do you think Anthony Johnson will enjoy a winning return at Bellator 258?

Anthony Johnson Has a New Opponent for Bellator 258

With Yoel Romero out of the Bellator Light Heavyweight Grand Prix, Anthony “Rumble” Johnson will now face Jose Augusto at Bellator 258 on May 7.  Augusto, who trains with the Pitbull Brothers team according to Sherdog sports a 7-2 professional MMA…

With Yoel Romero out of the Bellator Light Heavyweight Grand Prix, Anthony “Rumble” Johnson will now face Jose Augusto at Bellator 258 on May 7.  Augusto, who trains with the Pitbull Brothers team according to Sherdog sports a 7-2 professional MMA record and is currently on a five-fight win streak. His last fight was against […]

Anthony Johnson Reacts To Yoel Romero Fight Cancellation

Anthony JohnsonAnthony Johnson is disappointed that his Lightweight Grand Prix first-round fight at Bellator 258. ‘Rumble’ took to Instagram to send well wishes to Yoel Romero.   Today, news broke that Yoel Romero cannot participate in the Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix after failing a pre-fight physical. The promotion did not disclose what ailment or injury led to […]

Anthony Johnson

Anthony Johnson is disappointed that his Lightweight Grand Prix first-round fight at Bellator 258.

‘Rumble’ took to Instagram to send well wishes to Yoel Romero.  

Today, news broke that Yoel Romero cannot participate in the Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix after failing a pre-fight physical.

The promotion did not disclose what ailment or injury led to the failed exam.

Bellator did confirm that they will select an alternative Grand Prix opponent for Johson as soon as possible. 

The original bout would have been the Bellator debut for both fighters.

Hours later, Johnson sent Romero a message on Instagram.

“@YoelRomeroMMA [Broken heart emoji] with the news but whatever the issue is I hope Yoel gets back on his feet and able to compete again very soon. Sorry to the fans for the disappointment.”

With both fighters known for their knockout power, this fight was one of the most anticipated matchups of Bellator 258 and the lightweight tournament alike. With Romero’s status in limbo, Johnson will have to wait to see who Bellator selects as his first-round opponent and when the fight will take place.  Rumors are already circulating that Julius Anglickas will likely fill the spot.

Like Johnson, we hope that Romero recovers from whatever ailment or injury caused him to fail the physical. For its part, Bellator made clear that Romero can reapply for clearance to fight in the upcoming months, so hopefully, he will make his debut at some point in 2021.

Who do you think Anthony Johnson should face as his first-round opponent for the Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix?