Former UFC fighter Anthony “Rumble” Johnson passes away at 38

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

One of the most celebrated fighters in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) just passed away at the age of 38 years old.

Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, a former UFC top contender best-remembered for his insane knockout power, died due to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis last November 14, 2022.

His disease is a rare disorder of the immune system and is considered to be a treatable form of cancer but due to further complications, Johnson wasn’t able to hold on.

Johnson first debuted in the UFC as a welterweight last 2007 and went two divisions higher to reach light heavyweight where he performed at his best.

In his 10-year career in the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) industry, Johnson compiled an impressive 23-6 win-loss record with 13 wins coming from the UFC.

Johnson had two chances to become UFC’s light heavyweight king but lost two championship fights against Daniel Cormier who held the belt for a long time.

Despite his long status as a contender, Johnson was highly-regarded as a top finisher and clinched 17 wins via knockout out of his 29 total fights.

Johnson went viral several years ago after knocking out former UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Texeira in the first round of their duel.

With only 10 seconds in after the bell rang, Johnson landed a vicious right uppercut that immediately sent Texeira down cold.

The referee was quick to jump over Texeira and protect him from a charging Johnson who attempted to throw a long hammer fist that would’ve done more damage.

After his last attempt to go after the light heavyweight belt against Cormier, Johnson announced he will retire from the UFC and later on came back last 2021 when he fought at Bellator MMA.

Johnson was supposed to fight Bellator’s light heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov last October 2021 but wasn’t able to make it after findings of his disease surfaced.