“Rumble” Not Sold On D.C.’s Promise

UFC light heavyweight contender Anthony Johnson does not believe UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier when he says he’s not going to wrestle Johnson in their upcoming fight, but instead he will stand an brawl with him.

“When I hit Daniel he has no choice but to got back to his wrestling, his bread and butter,” Johnson told FOX. “So if he wants to stand up and trade with me, go ahead. I’m not saying it’s not possible, but it’s not possible.”

Johnson will fight Cormier for the second time in the main event of UFC 210.

In May 2015, Cormier and Johnson fought for the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Cormier defeated Johnson by submission to win the title.

Since then, Cormier has defended his title once. In Oct. 2015, he won a split decision against Alexander Gustafsson. In his last fight, Cormier won a decision in a nontitle bout against former UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva in July at UFC 200.

Since his loss to Cormier, Johnson has been on a rampage. He is on a three-fight win streak with all of his wins coming by knockout. His recent victims include Jimi Manuwa, Ryan Bader, and Glover Teixeira.

UFC 210 will take place April 8 at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.