Following yet another spectacular performance at UFC 202, where Anthony Johnson knocked out Glover Teixeira with one perfectly timed uppercut after just 13 seconds, it looked as if all roads where leading to a rematch with Daniel Cormier for the UFC light heavyweight championship. That was until UFC president Dana White put the breaks it.
“I’m in a weird place,” White told the UFC Unfiltered podcast. “We saw that fight, and it was a great fight. I’ve still got to talk to Joe Silva and see what he thinks. But I’m thinking maybe we do Anthony Johnson vs. Jon Jones to see who gets to fight Daniel Cormier.”
Former champion Jones is currently temporarily suspended by USADA and the NSAC after failing a drug test in July, but did release an Instagram video recently indicating he’d actually be back sooner rather than later.
“I’ve been doing really good – been training, spending time with family, attacking some of these legal issues that I’ve gotten myself into,” offered Jones. “(I’m) really trying to just leave that all behind once and for all. I’m sure you guys are curious about what’s going on with this USADA situation. Obviously I can’t get into it because it’s still pending, but what I can say is that we have found out lots of really good news and I am expecting to be back in the Octagon really soon.”
White further fueled speculation Jones might be back in action relatively quickly, but didn’t go into too many details.
“I haven’t talked to Jon, but the guy’s got 13 lives,” added White. “It’s looking good for him. I think he’s got to deal with Nevada right now and this thing that went down. I can’t say a lot about it because it’s not my place. We’ll see how this thing plays out, but it’s looking good for him.”
Following UFC 202, Johnson spoke of his desire to get another shot at the light heavyweight championship. “I’m just looking forward to it again. This is something that I’ve wanted for a long time,” Rumble said. “I only want to compete against the best, and so far since I’ve been back in the UFC, that’s what I’ve been doing. This is my second chance at a title so I really want to go out and I want to dominate.”
Hearing the news, the champion, Daniel Cormier took to twitter and insisted Anthony Johnson was going to get the next title shot.
“Daniel Cormier vs. Anthony Johnson is gonna happen,” stated DC. “This man deserved a shot and I’m more than willing to give it. See you soon Johnson!” Johnson responded, saying, “Let’s make it happen DC.”
With no headliner confirmed for UFC 205 destined for New York’s Madison Square Garden in November, a potential eliminator with Jones or, if they get their way, a return championship shot against Cormier could well be next for Rumble.
