Anthony Johnson ready for 28-day turnaround if injury bug strikes UFC 192

Anthony Johnson

Anthony Johnson was unsuccessful in his bid to become UFC light heavyweight champion earlier this year. He still has aspirations to hold the title, even if it means a quick turnaround.

The road back to a title shot began with a second-round knockout of Jimi Manuwa this past Saturday on UFC 191’s pay-per-view main card.

However, “Rumble” is currently the odd man out in the 205-pound title picture. Champion Daniel Cormier puts the belt on the line against Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 192 on Oct. 3 while top contenders Rashad Evans and Ryan Bader meet on the undercard. A bout between Glover Teixeira and Patrick Cummins is also set for November.

Johnson (20-5 MMA, 11-5 UFC), who’s ranked No. 3 in the NOS Energy Drink MMA light-heavyweight rankings, doesn’t have many options outside of a title fight after his win over Manuwa (15-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC). The 31-year-old said he doesn’t care whom he fights next, but he plans to jump right back into training in case any scheduled contests fall apart. It could mean a 28-day turnaround between fights.

“I hope nobody gets hurt with ‘DC’ and ‘Gus’ and Rashad or Bader,” Johnson told UFC.com after UFC 191. “But if somebody gets hurt, I definitely want to step in.”

Jimi Manuwa and Anthony Johnson

Johnson was meant to challenge ex-UFC champ Jon Jones for the belt at UFC 187 in May. Jones was allegedly involved in a hit-and-run incident less than one month before the fight, though, and he was eventually pulled from the event and stripped of the title he held for more than four years.

With the belt vacant, Johnson was pitted against Cormier at UFC 187. He had some success in the bout due to his proven punching power. However, Cormier took over as the bout wore on and eventually secured a third-round submission win to capture the gold.

Falling short in a career-defining opportunity like a UFC title fight reveals a lot about a fighter’s character. Johnson’s victory over Manuwa showed his ability to rebound from a tough loss, but he said it also proved he has what it takes to make it to win a belt.

“I want the title, and I’ll keep fighting until I get to the title,” Johnson said. “I’m just going to keep training, and whoever they give to me, I’m just going to keep knocking them down.”

Despite making headlines for his actions outside the cage both before and after UFC 191, Johnson’s focus inside the octagon was sharp against Manuwa. He executed a solid game plan in which he took the fight to the ground and wore down “Poster Boy” in the first round only to score the highlight-reel knockout on the feet early in the second.

Johnson said he felt Manuwa was intimidated during the contest. With the fourth most knockouts in UFC history on his record, Johnson said all his future opponents should have the same concern.

“I knew he was a little bit worried,” Johnson said. “Nobody can say they’re not worried about my striking. I know they’re worried. … I did everything that I’ve been taught so far.”

For complete coverage of UFC 191, check out the UFC Events section of the site. And for more on UFC 192, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.