Anthony “Rumble” Johnson is bringing the noise to get what he wants.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, the No. 1 contender for the UFC light heavyweight title took the matchmaking reins with an aggressive challenge aimed at champion Daniel Cormier for UFC 205.
“DC, I want to fight you in New York City on Nov 12. We got seven-and-a-half weeks to get ready and put on a fight for the fans of New York and the world to remember. It is our time to do battle,” Johnson wrote. “When Jon (Jones) got into trouble and was removed from my title fight, I accepted you as an opponent on three weeks notice despite the dramatic change in fight style. You were the better man that night and took the belt.
“I didn’t demand an immediate rematch, it was well within my rights to do so. I went to the back of the line and fought my way back to the front. To headline the event in Madison Square Garden is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Let’s do it! (Ball’s) in your court, Daniel.
“Enough of this waiting game that you or the UFC is playing!”
Johnson has won 12 of his last 13 fights, with his last five wins all coming by way of knockout. His only misstep since rejoining the UFC in 2014 is a decision loss to Cormier at UFC 187.
While Cormier has stated that he’d prefer to defend his belt against Johnson next, the callout was necessitated by his appearance on UFC Tonight on Wednesday, wherein he ruled out competing at UFC 205 due to a lack of preparation time.
Cormier took to Twitter to reply to Johnson’s post, suggesting the two fight at UFC 207 on Dec. 30 in Las Vegas instead.
u deserve shot. I'm not waiting! Sorry bud NYC won't happen. But you can get it again Dec 30th. #downgoesrumble https://t.co/QdZeOFtiHk
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) September 15, 2016
I'll let u enjoy Christmas before I break u and ur spirits again! #dccares #holidaysmatter https://t.co/O3MhBj4FaT
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) September 15, 2016
Making the light heavyweight title picture even more complicated is the interim belt wrapped around Jones’ waist. “Bones” is still considered by many to be the undisputed king at 205 pounds, due to the fact that he holds a win over Cormier and only lost the undisputed title because of legal issues outside the cage. He’s currently appealing a July USADA violation to avoid receiving a lengthy suspension.
UFC president Dana White has mentioned the possibility of Johnson fighting Jones for the interim title, with the winner moving on to battle Cormier in a unification bout. But Johnson couldn’t be less interested in that idea.
I'm not fighting for a stankass interim title…
That thing is worthless!— Anthony Johnson (@Anthony_Rumble) September 15, 2016
