‘Rumble’ Johnson Enters Drug Testing Pool, Plans UFC Return at Light Heavyweight

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It appears that Anthony Johnson will be cutting weight when he makes his long-awaited comeback to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Johnson’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, told ESPN that “Rumble” will enter the UFC’s drug testing pool this week. He must be available for testing six months before he is eligible to fight again. Johnson removed him self from USADA testing following a loss to Daniel Cormier in a 205-pound title bout at UFC 210 in April 2017.

While Johnson initially considered making a return at heavyweight after watching the Cormier-Stipe Miocic rematch at UFC 241, “Rumble” is now planning on competing in the light heavyweight division.

Johnson’s news comes on the heels of Cormier’s retirement following a loss to Miocic in their trilogy at UFC 252 and the announcement that Jon Jones has vacated his light heavyweight crown. “Rumble” challenged for 205-pound gold twice, falling to Cormier via submission on both occasions.

Johnson, who began his UFC tenure as a welterweight, went 13-6 in the Las Vegas-based promotion over the course of two separate stints. Now 36 years old, he owns notable wins over the likes of Glover Teixeira, Ryan Bader, Alexander Gustafsson, Phil Davis and Jimi Manuwa, to name a few.