Anthony Johnson says truth lies in middle on Blackzilians shutdown

TORONTO – UFC light heavyweight contender Anthony Johnson said there’s some truth to the rumors the famed Blackzilians camp is struggling, but it’s not as bad as it seems.

“Whatever you guys are seeing in the media, and the word on the street, some of it could be true, some of it could be lie, but somewhere in the middle is the truth,” Johnson (22-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC) said backstage at this past Saturday’s UFC 206 in Toronto, an event he was supposed to headline before an injury to champ Daniel Cormier (18-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC).

“I’ll say that,” Johnson added, “and I’ll never not be a Blackzilian.”

A recent image of the team’s South Florida gym under deconstruction and other online evidence indicated the business was going under. Johnson and several standout UFC fighters, including ex-champ Rashad Evans, lightweight Michael Johnson and welterweight Kamaru Usman have trained for several years at the JACO Hybrid Training Center in Boca Raton, Fla.

One year ago, a report of the gym’s closing prompted a stern denial from the Blackzilians’ Glenn Robinson, yet the longtime chief and financial backer admitted he was open to selling off portions of the team’s assets.

Robinson declared bankruptcy in June with more than $10 million in debt, according to a local report.

In response to the recent news, Robinson claimed a new gym is being built to house the team. However, he said Johnson’s career is the only reason he is staying in the sport.

“I’ve got my own bills, bro,” Johnson said about rumors the gym is going bankrupt. “That stuff is up to Glenn. Glenn and I are close, but I don’t get into his financial business or personal business.”

Johnson, the No. 3 fighter in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA light heavyweight rankings, welcomed the idea of opening a gym in the event that the Blackzilians do disband, but said there are “other options.” The team’s core members, he added, have no intention of going elsewhere.

“We’ll do our thing,” he said. “Either way, I’m fine. Even if the team just completely exploded and got destroyed and was never around, I’m fine. I’ve have my guys. I have my training partners. I have the money to keep going, so I’m good.”

Check out the video above to hear from Johnson on the Blackzilians and vent on a reporter who brings up ex-champ Jon Jones.

And for more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

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