The MMA world is currently mourning the passing of former UFC title challenger Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson. The 38-year-old had been battling illness for the last couple of months. Several pros have paid their respect to Johnson in the wake of the sad news. Former rival Daniel Cormier also posted a touching message to Johnson on social media.

‘Rumble’ had to pull out of his scheduled bout for the Bellator light-heavyweight title last year due to persisting health issues. His last fight was in May 2021. After his passing, Cormier spared a few words about how ‘Rumble’ was a caring individual throughout their friendship.

Cormier’s reaction to Anthony Johnson’s passing

Former UFC heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier was among those shocked by the news of Anthony Johnson’s passing. Cormier and Johnson faced each other twice during their rivalry in the UFC. However, the duo had a good relationship outside the cage, as indicated by Cormier‘s reaction to the news.

The former double champion emphasized how ‘Rumble’ was ferocious inside the cage but caring outside. Cormier also mentioned how Johnson randomly texted and reached out to him after losses. “What a person he was, Rumble will be missed. Sometimes life doesn’t seem fair,” Cormier wrote.

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‘Rumble’ and DC had one of the more competitive rivalries in the UFC. The pair faced each other twice. Once at UFC 187 in 2015 and then at UFC 210 in 2017. Cormier submitted Johnson in both fights.

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However, their rivalry is also famous for the infamous ‘Towelgate’ incident. Cormier recently apologized and came clean about it during his Hall of Fame speech.

When Daniel Cormier apologized to ‘Rumble’ for cheating

In 2017, Daniel Cormier and Anthony Johnson faced each other for the second time in a UFC light-heavyweight title fight at UFC 210. Cormier weighed in for the fight at 206.2 lbs. However, he made weight on his second attempt a few minutes later. Several people accused DC of cheating on the scales and this incident came to be called ‘Towelgate.’

Almost five years later, the Olympic wrestler clarified the incident during his UFC Hall of Fame speech. Cormier revealed he was struggling to make weight and gave up trying after the initial weight miss. He said that neither his team nor his wife could get him to lose the extra weight.

Then his nutritionist suggested the old towel trick which DC used. Cormier got the weight off of his chest and apologized to Johnson, “‘Rumble,’ I’m sorry, my guy.”

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Anthony Johnson was an exciting fighter and a beloved figure in the world of MMA. His passing is a sad loss to the MMA community. What are your favorite Anthony Johnson memories? Feel free to mention them in the comment below.