Anthony “Rumble” Johnson is one of the most powerful punchers we’ve seen in UFC, but after failing to beat Daniel Cormier for a second time, Johnson decided it’s time to walk away from the sport of mixed martial arts.
“I gave my commitment to another job, something that I have been wanting to do for a while,” Johnson said after the fight. “It’s not MMA-related or anything like that. It’s just time for me to move on to something else. I’m tired of getting punched by guys and rolling on the ground with guys.”
Talking through tears, Johnson thanked everyone who gave him a chance in the sport and Cormier for giving him the opportunity to fight again.
“I will never, ever forget you. Thank you,” Johnson said.
Johnson, 33, finishes his career at 22-6.
He fought his way up through the welterweight division at 170 but had his struggles to make weight. After moving up to 185 pounds for a pair of fights, Johnson finally decided to move to 205 where many said he should have been fighting from the beginning. He scored highlight wins over the likes of Glover Teixeira, Ryan Bader, Jimi Manuwa, Alexader Gustafsson and Phil Davis along the way.
Though he never reached the mountain top of being a UFC champion, he’s a guy many fight fans will remember fondly for his incredible one-punch knockout power.
