(“Higher or lower than 200? Higher?”)
It looks like Anthony Johnson has found a promotion willing to overlook his chronic habit of coming in overweight for contracted bouts.
Titan Fighting Championship announced today that it has signed “Rumble” to an unspecified contract and that the 10-4 former UFC welterweight-turned-light heavyweight will be headlining its May 25 card, which will be broadcast live on HDNet. No opponent has been named for AJ, and it has yet to be determined if the former welterweight, who came in 13 pounds over for his middleweight debut at UFC 142 against Vitor Belfort in his last bout, will be fighting at 185 or at a catchweight. One thing’s for certain: his days at 170 are likely behind him.
“I’m back, and I’m fighting May 25 with Titan Fighting Championship, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to headline this event for all the fans in Kansas City and watching that night live on HDNet,” Johnson confirmed with Ariel Helwani on Monday’s MMA Hour. “I am so pumped to be fighting again, and I’m ready to take on whatever 185-pounder they put in front of me. I received offers from all over the world, and after a lot of consideration, my manager Glenn Robinson and I settled on Titan because it’s a good promotion, but more importantly it’s run by really good people.”
“It’s incredible to have Rumble Johnson headlining Titan Fighting 22, and in typical Titan style, the entire card will be filled with exciting matches featuring the best up and coming fighters in the world,” said Joe Kelly, President, Titan Fighting Championship.
Titan FC alumni include Brett Rogers, Sara McMann, James Krause, Bobby Lashley, Jamie Varner, Dakota Cochrane and Tim Sylvia. The promotion, whose first show of 2012 last weekend featured a main event between Jorge Santiago and Leonardo Pecanha, held three events last year.