‘At Death’s Door’- Anthony Johnson Describes Dropping 40 Pounds To Fight as a Welterweight
Follow Us
Anthony Johnson was one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC a few years ago. He looked destined to become Light Heavyweight Champion and many thought he would beat Jon Jones. However, Jones pulled out of the fight, and ‘Rumble’would lose to Daniel Cormier for the title.
However, his journey started years ago as an oversized Welterweight. He struggled to make weight when he was a 170-pounder and has opened up on how he made that weight and whether he regrets fighting after cutting 40 pounds.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“A lot of prayer and a lot of cardio. Half the time I didn’t make it, other half I did. Even when I did make it, I felt like I was at death’s door. At the steps of death to croak. But I’m glad I didn’t take any serious damage while cutting weight because I was dropping from 210 to 170. Which is 40 pounds and most people can’t do 10. For me to do that, I was having the mentality of bigger, stronger, faster. I know how that was a big thing back in the day. I don’t regret it, I wouldn’t take back the losses at 170. Not making weight and all that. I wouldn’t be who I was today if I hadn’t made those mistakes.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Anthony Johnson: Was the weight cut a bad idea?
Rumble Johnson had a sound logic behind cutting weight. It’s the same reason why Max Holloway cuts to 145 and why Conor McGregor also cut to that weight. The bigger a fighter is, the more pronounced their advantage in a fight.
However, it didn’t work out like that for Rumble. While he was phenomenal, the weight cut wasn’t worth the results. He would move up to 185 pounds but would still miss weight at that division. It seemed like 205 would be his home, but he had an unexpected early retirement which then saw him become over 300 pounds.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
“Jamie F**ked Up”- Fans React as Joe Rogan and Tucker Carlson’s JRE Episode Is Deleted in Minutes
April 19, 2024 03:05 PM EDT
Justin Gaethje’s Woes Pile Up After UFC 300 as Islam Makhachev’s Coach Personally Sends Ex-BMF a Sad Update
April 18, 2024 02:04 PM EDT
“Bubble Gut From High HGH Abuse” – Joe Rogan’s Dire Health Concern Flare Up as Fans Worry About UFC Commentator
April 16, 2024 05:03 AM EDT
“Looks Just as Confused” – Justin Gaethje Receives Untoward Backlash From Fans After UFC 300 Max Holloway KO
April 15, 2024 11:59 AM EDT
Israel Adesanya Gives Dana White the Green Light as Dricus Du Plessis Fight Rumors Flare Up for UFC 305
April 18, 2024 03:39 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
He was supposed to return for the UFC, but the pandemic ruined those plans. He was recently released and is now expected to fight Yoel Romero in Bellator for his promotional debut in his weight division of 205.