XFN 9: Anthony Johnson Dominant in Victory
By Chris Leslie on September 22, 2012
UFC outcast Anthony Johnson had another successful outing at light heavyweight less than a month after he debuted in the division at Titan Fighting Championships 24. The former welterweight defeated another former UFC fighter in Jake Rosholt. The event took place a the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The first round of the bout showed Rosholt looking to work his improved striking game and Johnson in attack mode. Rosholt appeared to be trying to wear down Johnson with multiple guillotine attempts. Both fighters struggled with being in a ring rather than a cage, as the fight had to be restarted several times due to the fighters getting tangled in the ropes.
The second round is where Johnson took over. Johnson’s striking finally found its range and he managed to stagger Rosholt with a big shot that opened a huge cut over Rosholt’s left eye. Rosholt valiantly tried to recover, and still kept attacking the entire time, but Johnson beat on the former Oklahoma State standout until landing a massive headkick that stopped the fight.
The win improved Johnson to 3-0 since being cut from the UFC after missing weight at UFC 142.
Full Results
- Middleweight Title Fight: Andrew Todhunter (c) def. Brandon Gaines via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:10 of Round 2
- Anthony Johnson def. Jake Rosholt via TKO (head kick) at 4:22 of Round 2
- Welterweight Title Fight: Dylan Smith def. Levi Avera via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:40 of Round 2
- Jesse Chaffin def. Dave McAfee via submission (guillotine choke) at 0:33 of Round 3
- Kathina Catron def. Amber Powell via submission (guillotine choke) at 1:41 of Round 1
- Ed Cline def. Alex Rojas via TKO (strikes) at 2:05 of Round 1
- Chase McDougal def. Jake Shanks via submission (rear-naked choke) at 0:51 of Round 1
- Gerit Smith def. Austin Wells via TKO (strikes) at 1:51 of Round 1
Just watched it and he looked good. But still wish he would get some discipline would like him to make 185 but that ain’t gona happen
Just as an FYI, there are medical reasons why he cannot cut down anymore. It’s the same for Daniel Cormier.
I have heard Cormier would be willing to cut to 205 for the right opportunity
His offer to fight Jones was for heavyweight. He could possibly cut to 205 but he’d have to do it very slowly, he suffered kidney failure in trying to get down to his olympic weight.
Whats wrong with rumble? I’m just wondering I didn’t know he had a medical problem always thought it was being lazy
You don’t stick in an elite gym like he does if you’re lazy. He couldn’t cut anymore. Doctors wouldn’t let him cut anymore before he fought Belfort. Guy is massive if you meet him in person.
I don’t mean lazy like won’t do nothing it just seemed like he always had trouble properly dieting and I know it would be because he is a big guy especially for 170 but thought he could cut to 185
That’s the thing, your body can only cut so much no matter what you try to do. Johnson and I were the same size when we both wrestled in HS in GA but I was a 215 and he was a 171. You can only cut hard for so long before your body just can’t take the swings anymore.
AJ had dietitians and everything for 185 but his body just shut down prior to UFC 142.
Still i have always been a fan since he made his debut. He looks really good right now though at 205
I know I just thought it was always weird he cut 170 perfect and fought Charlie and looked awesome then and then says he is moving to 185 and couldn’t do it. Always thought that was weird. Thanks for the info though Chris.