UFC light heavyweight contender Anthony Johnson has finally had his indefinite suspension lifted. Last September, he was suspended by the UFC because of reports of a past domestic abuse case, but it was said that the UFC wasn’t going to make an action until they figure out more information.
UFC officials announced on Thursday that the 205 pound standout will now be able to resume his UFC career.
Anthony Johnson cleared to fight in the UFC, suspension lifted
[quote] The person who filed a civil temporary protection order against UFC contender Anthony Johnson last September voluntarily dismissed their complaint last week in the Florida Circuit Court. Before granting a dismissal of the case, the presiding judge independently questioned the alleging party regarding their voluntary intentions, and thereafter the judge dismissed the entire matter.
The dismissal of the case, along with an independent investigation that was commissioned by the UFC organization, brings closure to this matter for Johnson and allows him to return to competition in the UFC. As a result, UFC officials are exploring options for Johnson’s next fight to take place early next year.
The UFC organization will not tolerate domestic violence, sexual assault or any other violation of its Code of Conduct. The organization is committed to thoroughly investigating all allegations and taking the appropriate action when warranted.[/quote]
Johnson (18-4) prior to being suspended, was supposedly set to face Alexander Gustafsson at UFC on FOX 13 but nothing was officially announced. The matchup likely would have been announced, if he wasn’t indefinitely suspended.
Gustafsson after that was briefly rumored to be fighting Rashad Evans at the January FOX event next year, but it was recently said that the fight is off because Evans would not be ready to fight at that time. With that being said, Gustafsson vs. Johnson in a No. 1 Contender bout is likely for early next year at UFC on FOX 14 in Sweden.
‘Rumble’ sits at #3 on the official UFC rankings, and has won two straight in the UFC since his return earlier this year, with a dominant win over Phil Davis and an under-a-minute knockout victory over Antonio Rogerip Nogueira this past July.
