Anthony Johnson (23-6, 1-0 Bellator) was slated to take on Vadim Nemkov in October 2021. (15-2, 7-0-1 NC Bellator).
The contest between the two was for the Bellator MMA light heavyweight championship. After defeating Jose Azevedo (7-4, 1-2 Bellator) in a thrilling promotional debut, Johnson earned the chance.
Unfortunately, “Rumble” was forced to withdraw from the fight due to illness. The seasoned MMA fighter announced on social media that he would be away for the rest of 2021.
Many in the MMA community worried that Anthony had reached the end after Johnson’s statement, which was as genuine as it gets. I really wish I could go into depth about how ill I am, the former UFC mainstay continues. Just know that I could use your prayers, and, God willing, I’ll see you in 2022.
I’ve never been terrified of anything in my life, but I’ve managed to stay strong thanks to my friends and family, Johnson continued. Even though there aren’t many facts about his sickness, Anthony made sure to say it’s not a COVID-related condition.
Related: Did Mick Mars’s Illness Is a Reason Behind His Retirement as A Guitarist?
Getting Ready to Rumble?
Anthony Johnson just shared a photo of himself from Sanford MMA on Instagram. Rumble had been very silent recently on social media, but his most recent Instagram photo sheds light on a previously gloomy tale.
The following was the caption added by the 16-year MMA veteran. ‘First day back,’ “If you knew the route I’m on, you’d understand this is a major step,” she continues. You’ll witness a new, riskier version of what you’ve already seen when I return.
The former welterweight who has moved up to light heavyweight still has a long way to go, but he is optimistic that he will be approved by the end of 2022.
In his most recent post, “Rumble” stated that he has “nothing to announce yet” in terms of a fight. Even though there is no opponent or date set, many fans are already salivating over hypothetical fights.
There are now a lot of unsolved questions. Will the ‘Rumble’, who appears to have lost weight, make a comeback in the light heavyweight division? Despite being rated fourth in his division right now, he is still vying for a title shot.
Johnson’s comeback would be put to the test against any of the top five competitors right now. An opportunity for the once-scheduled clash against Yoel Romero to be seen by the MMA community thanks to a comeback.
After his devastating knockout of Alex Polizzi at Bellator 280, the “Soldier of God” has been moving up the rankings. After the fight, Romero was immediately scheduled to fight Melvin Manhoef at Bellator Dublin in September.
If Yoel manages to defeat the always dangerous Manhoef, the timing for Johnson vs. Romero could not be more ideal.
