Former Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight title contender, Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson, is targeting a mixed martial arts comeback next year.
Known for his intimidating presence and knockout power, Johnson last fought in April 2017 in a showdown for the 265-pound strap against Daniel Cormier.
After losing to DC via submission, he announced his retirement from the sport and would later enter the medical marijuana industry.
Two years after calling it quits, the 35-year old giant claimed he is set to rejoin the USADA testing pool as he eyes to return to active competition in 2020.
Providing details about his upcoming return, it looks like things are going according to plan for ‘Rumble.’
“I’m trying to get my slim on, you know what I mean?” Johnson told in an interview over the weekend.
“I was up to probably 280 and that was the worst I’ve ever been. That’s the worst anyone’s ever gonna see me and I’ll never be back up there again. But I needed it to happen.”
Still Dangerous
Johnson shared the two-year fighting hiatus gave him plenty of time to get back in shape and recover from the intensive training he needed to endure on his early years.
“I needed to hit rock bottom as far as the way I was, going to the gym and taking care of myself.”
“Going to the gym since I was eight, it can take a lot of wear and tear on any human being, so I’m glad I took the break that I took.”
As a result, the former heavyweight title contender has developed his speed and power.
“I’m coming back now and I feel a lot better, my punches are stronger, harder, faster.”
“The other day my coach said, ‘AJ, you’re still dangerous.’ He walked up to me after – this was the second time he saw me spar, because he’s been gone – he came up to me and said, ‘AJ, you’re still dangerous. You’re still very fast and punch hard.’”
“I’ve knocked out two people already in training in the first two days of sparring so I feel like everything is clicking.”
Looking Good
Currently weighing around 240 pounds, Johnson looks forward to facing all UFC heavyweights and vows to hurt them once he returns.
“We have to meet with the UFC some more,” he continued.
“We have to go over things and just figure some stuff out but it’s all looking good so far. Nothing bad.”
“I don’t want to put my foot in my mouth and say too much but everything’s looking good right now. I’m not worried.
“I was trying to shoot for April/May but maybe June/July. We’ll see. “
“But whenever I come back I’m going to make sure it’s known. I want to come back and showcase everything and fight and just hurt people.”
(Featured Image Source: Instagram/ Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson)