UFC 104 Preview: Rising Star Anthony Johnson Faces Stiff Test in Yoshiyuki Yoshida

by Leland Roling on Oct 22, 2009 10:15 AM EDT in Events Comment 87 comments

The first bout of the UFC 104 main card is one of the more anticipated match-ups of the evening as up-and-comer Anthony "Rumble" Johnson (7-2, 4-2 UFC) will take on Japanese import and Cage Force veteran Yoshiyuki Yoshida (11-3, 2-1 UFC). Johnson enters the bout on a two-fight winning streak after crushing Kevin Burns with a brutal head kick knockout at The Ultimate Fighter Season 8 Finale and beating down Luigi Fioravanti inside the first round at UFN 17. Most fans likely remember the massive knockout punch from Josh Koscheck that dropped Yoshida at UFC Fight for the Troops, but he rebounded recently with a win over Brandon Wolff at UFC 98.

The welterweight division hasn't had a plethora of intriguing stylistic match-ups recently, but I think this fight falls into that category. Johnson is primarily known for his kickboxing and powerful striking coupled with his wrestling ability. He's been training with Strikeforce's Cung Le, who's fairly well known for his Sanshou-style of fighting, so it's easy to see that Johnson is putting some heavy emphasis on his striking game. It appears to have worked against Kevin Burns, and he was able to easily demolish a normally tough-to-finish fighter in Luigi Fioravanti.

Yoshida's striking is his weakness as he's a Judo player who uses solid top control techniques and intelligent cage tactics to punish opponents on the ground. He has a good working knowledge of choke techniques, but elbows and fists are his normal means of finishing fights. As evident in the Koscheck fight, Yoshida's stand-up techniques can be limited against power punchers like Johnson, and Johnson's reach and kicks present even more problems.

One major change in Yoshida's training has been his move to Greg Jackson's camp in Albequerque, New Mexico. Yoshida actually moved to the U.S. without an interpreter for nearly two months to improve himself at Jackson's gym. Jackson stated that Yoshida was a "brave" individual to do that without having a real grasp of the English language, but hopefully that extra training time will allow Jackson's camp to mold Yoshida into a high-level fighter at welterweight.

Realistically, Yoshida will need to gain the ground in this fight and wear down "Rumble" Johnson, and that'll be a tough prospect considering Johnson's reach and strength in the striking department. Wading through the lengthy limbs of Johnson to gain a takedown could be a debilitating task for Yoshida, but Yoshida's power and top control techniques will tire out Johnson if he finds himself on his back. It's an interesting battle because we don't know what to expect from Yoshida's striking defense, and Johnson could find himself in some real trouble on the ground. It's definitely a bout you won't want to miss.

Poll

Who will win?

Anthony Johnson

829 votes

Yoshiyuki Yoshida

229 votes

1058 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I think Yoshida is a tough guy,

but I dont see him offering many problems to Johnson who has extremely dynamic striking & is very underrated as a wrestler because he chooses to strike so much.

Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.

by dnevil001 on Oct 22, 2009 10:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yoshida is going to the land of wind and ghosts.

Keep firing Assholes!

Never trust a man with no shirt on.

by Ubernoober on Oct 22, 2009 10:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

For some reason, I move toward the Yoshida side in this fight. I don’t know why, and it’s probably a dumb move, but I want Yoshida to bring the judo, baby!

Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Oct 22, 2009 10:22 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Agree!

by nastyem on Oct 22, 2009 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gotta pull for the Judo gents, ‘cause you never know when someone’s getting hip-tossed.

"That feeling after you win and they raise your hand... it's like you have this energy that releases from your body, and it's like you mingle with the cosmos, and you feel omnipotent"

by woomikee on Oct 22, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right, & then what does he do after that hip toss?

Yoshida offers no threat to finish Johnson & if you really think he can hip toss his way to a decision then we really disagree.

Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.

by dnevil001 on Oct 22, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hip toss + choke.

Keep firing Assholes!

Never trust a man with no shirt on.

by Ubernoober on Oct 22, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Doubful.

Johnson lost to Clementi (very good bjj & experienced) on short notice in one of his first fights in the UFC.

Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.

by dnevil001 on Oct 22, 2009 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

plus kevin burns is no slouch in submissions

and didn’t catch Johnson either time

by amadeus on Oct 22, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Johnson is no where close to Yoshida

as a grappler.
Lordy!

Follow me on Twitter @KidNate

by Kid Nate on Oct 22, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Huh?

His Cage Force fights are a plethora of techniques to finish. For the most part. Yoshida is very aware of how to use the cage. He likes to toss people into the crease, push them into it, and pummel the shit out of them with his power from the top. If he catches Johnson with a stiff punch from top control, he’ll pour it on.

Of course, it all depends on if he can get it there.

Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Oct 22, 2009 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Has Yoshida faced anyone in Cage Force the level of Johnson?

And why are you assuming that he will be able to gain top control & maintain it against Johnson? If I am not mistaken, he is a very good wrestler as well that simply chooses to strike because he is so dynamic. I like Yoshida, just not for this fight.

Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.

by dnevil001 on Oct 22, 2009 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rumble's wrestling is great, i think he was a juco champ

But his center of gravity is very high and that will still leave him open to getting taken down, which he may not have been in his short career.. it will certainly tell us if he has the mental edge if he gets cut from the bottom or yoshida smothers him… A lot of ifs… I like Johnson but he will probably gas again, because didn’t he recently have to start cutting from 220? Thats just not intelligent to allow yourself to blow up 30 pounds above where you want to cut from.. plus hes a MASSIVE guy, bigger than Alves… i think Rumble will eventually face better guys who won’t get overwhelmed, and gas, and then move to 185… his frame is just too big to remain at 170

by amadeus on Oct 22, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well to be fair, he has only gassed once

that I can recall & that was on short notice against Clementi who is a very game opponent. I think Johnson’s wrestling will be plenty good to avoid getting thrown too much, but even if he does he is athletic & strong enough to get back to his feet.

Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.

by dnevil001 on Oct 22, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, that was the Clementi fight and he had a brutal weight cut (like you said, short notice). But he reminds me of McCrory in that he seems to have gotten bigger since he started in the UFC, and he think he might be able to cut it at 185 given his power and speed.

"I'm AJB and I endorse this nut-puncher."

by AJB on Oct 22, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

exactly, isnt he only 22 or 23? He definately hasn’t stopped growing… i think it may be smarter to just start packing on more muscle, because with a little more experience he’d be just as big a threat at MW, he’s the proper size… Plus having the wrestling credentials and training with one of the best strikers in the world

by amadeus on Oct 22, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lets not get carried away. Cung Le one of the best strikers in the world? …

by dancingChicken on Oct 22, 2009 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t know if it happens that often but… breaking a dudes arm with a kick is pretty damn cool.

by nastyem on Oct 22, 2009 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I remember him kicking more than once.
I don’t see anything cool in breaking someone’s arm, and what’s more important I don’t see link between being one of the best strikers in the world and breaking someone’s arm.

by dancingChicken on Oct 22, 2009 7:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I always thought “striking” referred to hitting with the arms, no?

Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.

by ufc4 on Oct 22, 2009 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Did you really just try to take some sort of moral high ground when it comes to combat sports?

by nastyem on Oct 23, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No.

by dancingChicken on Oct 23, 2009 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

you're either joking

or dumb as a swingin cock

get it, swingin cock?

by amadeus on Oct 22, 2009 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A, keyboard warrior. I thought people are getting banned here for shit like this…

by dancingChicken on Oct 22, 2009 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm the keyboard warrior?

you’re the one discounting the achievements of a man who’s undefeated in combat sports.

to answer your original question, say that Cung is top 1000 strikers in the world. To go even furthur, say top 10000. Divide that by 6 billion. He’s still in the top 600,00th percentile of strikers. Does that not make him one of the top strikers in the world?

by amadeus on Oct 22, 2009 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m not dicounting anybody’s achievments.

Sorry for not buying reasoning like: being undefeated=one of the best.

Next time flag my comment as a fighter bashing or something like this, instead of responding in such a uncultured way.

by dancingChicken on Oct 23, 2009 3:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You guys are probably right.

Johnson probably does need to move up, but I still see him getting thru Yoshida relatively easily.

Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.

by dnevil001 on Oct 22, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i rewatched the first burns fight on unleashed a few days ago and remember thinking that he looked MUCH bigger than Burns… He’s a MONSTER, solid muscle Plus a gigantic head… i see where all the jon jones comparisons come from

by amadeus on Oct 22, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

OH, I agree with that. I just think he’ll have more trouble with the weight cut than with Yoshida…

"I'm AJB and I endorse this nut-puncher."

by AJB on Oct 22, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Probably right,

but he has been making this same cut for a while now & the only time we saw him gas was on short notice against Clementi.

Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.

by dnevil001 on Oct 22, 2009 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

right, but getting taken down and having to expend energy to get back up could be mentally draining

i guess thats why its a “stiff test”

by amadeus on Oct 22, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think where the interesting part of the fight lies is in Yoshida’s ability (or not) to get Rumble to the mat. Johnson’s a good wrestler, and like a lot of good wrestlers with power striking, he uses his skills to stay standing. A straight-up freestyle wrestler would have a tough time getting him down; but Yoshida is NOT a wrestler – he’s a judoka. Lots of BJJ guys have great ground skills but can’t get the fight there. Yoshida CAN get fights to the ground, and often in ways that the other fighter doesn’t expect unless he’s trained a lot of judo. If Yoshida can get inside on Johnson, get the clinch, and then start to work some unusual angles into a throw, he COULD take this fight to the mat. He’s not going to be shooting double legs or anything, but Johnson is likely ready for those anyway. It’s not outside the realm of possibility that Yoshida could win this from top control.

That being said, I think AJ knocks him da fuk out.

"I'm AJB and I endorse this nut-puncher."

by AJB on Oct 22, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m not assuming he will be able to gain top control. You stated that Yoshida offers “no threat” if he throws a hip toss. The argument had no bearing on whether he would actually gain top control. It was already stated that he would have gained top control with the hip toss. The argument was in regards to what happens after. Now you’re backing up the actual toss.

I already said that it’ll be tough for him to do so, but don’t immediately think Yoshida offers no threat.

Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Oct 22, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No.

I stated other than a hip toss Yoshida has nothing that would really threaten Johnson. Judo is cool & all, but we have all seen it is not really enough when you take on top notch talent. Johnson will be way stronger, not sure how much bigger but I think it is at least 5 inches & is way more of a dynamic striker (punches & kicks), who also happens to be a great wrestler. Unless he gasses or something-I dont see how Yoshida wins this.

Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.

by dnevil001 on Oct 22, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Whether he mounts a threat or not is irrelevant to me; I just like hip tosses!

"That feeling after you win and they raise your hand... it's like you have this energy that releases from your body, and it's like you mingle with the cosmos, and you feel omnipotent"

by woomikee on Oct 22, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

As do I, lol.

Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.

by dnevil001 on Oct 22, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

judo plus top notch ne waza ground and pound

is a threat to anyone who finds themselves on their backs against Yoshida.
Personally I could see Yoshida getting a d’arce or anaconda choke rather than winning via GnP

Follow me on Twitter @KidNate

by Kid Nate on Oct 22, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe I am wrong,

but I still find it highly unlikely. Yoshida has never faced anyone of Johnson’s caliber, so no matter what he is capable of doing to other fighters it aint gonna happen on this one.

Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.

by dnevil001 on Oct 22, 2009 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Johnson has also never faced anyone of Yoshida’s caliber.

Also, “he’s never done it, therefore he can’t do it” isn’t a very convincing line of reasoning.

by JRN on Oct 22, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would take Burns over Yoshida as well

& Johnson owned him. And I never said “he’s never done it, therefore he can’t do it”. I was commenting about people who were talking about how good Yoshida looked against inferior competition in Cage Force. And that is not the reason I picked Johnson. If you want to go back & read what I actually wrote about why I picked Johnson, instead of making up a lame line like that.

Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.

by dnevil001 on Oct 22, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I guess I can see thinking Burns is better than Yoshida. It would come down to whether you think Roan Carneiro is a better win than Akira Kikuchi.

And I never said "he’s never done it, therefore he can’t do it".

Really? Your reasoning in that comment seemed to be

Yoshida has never faced anyone of Johnson’s caliber,

therefore

no matter what he is capable of doing to other fighters it aint gonna happen on this one.

i.e. he’s never beaten anyone of Johnson’s caliber, therefore he won’t be able to do what he did to his other opponents. In other words, he’s never done it before, so he can’t do it now.

I realize you have other reasons. Your other reasons seem to be that Yoshida wouldn’t have enough finishing tools even if he got Johnson on his back. But Yoshida has six TKOs and three submissions on his record. Why couldn’t he TKO or submit Johnson? Apparently, because Johnson is a higher-caliber opponent, and since he’s never beaten anyone of Johnson’s caliber, he won’t beat Johnson.

You should have just stuck with what you said in your first comment, rather than coming in with this stuff about how even if Yoshida got a hip toss he wouldn’t be able to do anything with it. It doesn’t make any sense.

by JRN on Oct 22, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This are just my opinions,

but we can wait & see when the fight goes down. Johnson is huge & super-athletic so even if he does get him down I wouldnt anticipate him being able to hold him down. And after his recent debacle w/Kos, who is by far a horrible striker compared to Johnson & has no kicks like Johnson, I wouldnt bet that Yoshida can make it in range for those hip tosses w/o getting drilled.

Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.

by dnevil001 on Oct 22, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Alright, re-reading your past comment.. you didn’t mention specifically on the floor… so I’ll give you the argument that it’s tough to see Yoshida being able to finish.

But Johnson hasn’t faced the stiffest competition either.

Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Oct 22, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed.

But when neither opponent has faced super tough competition, I tend to lean toward the guy who can finish the fight multiple way & has dynamic striking, not the one with cool judo throws.

Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.

by dnevil001 on Oct 22, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yoshida has faced Kos, who is way above Johnson’s caliber, and it didn’t turn out so well.

Keep firing Assholes!

Never trust a man with no shirt on.

by Ubernoober on Oct 22, 2009 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yoshida is going to dump Johnson on his head!

for all intents and purposes, just consider all my posts as works of satire.

by Bandaka on Oct 22, 2009 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I will take this one as satire like your sig says, lol.

Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.

by dnevil001 on Oct 22, 2009 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yoshida is getting K-T-F-O in this one. 100%.

by oasis77 on Oct 22, 2009 10:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

maybe one day the UFC will put rumble up against some legit competition.

by kamachi on Oct 22, 2009 10:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This is a joke, right?

Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Oct 22, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

His post made me think about your sig.

UFC 104=> ben rothwell will UD the shit outta Velasquez.

by spectaa on Oct 22, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That day is Saturday, October 24th.

Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.

by ufc4 on Oct 22, 2009 11:24 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

I’m pulling for Yoshida because If Johnson wins I don’t think I will be able to bear the stampedes of people saying things like

OMG Rumble pwned him!!! he is the future! he would KO GSP in the first round!!!!!

by StevenGiles on Oct 22, 2009 10:37 AM EDT reply actions 4 recs

Agreed.

Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Oct 22, 2009 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

At this point I don’t think he’s ready for Kos, Fitch, Swick. So, there’s no way he’s beating GSP..

by oasis77 on Oct 22, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

Let’s not forget this little tidbit from Johnson:

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2009/7/31/970497/anthony-johnson-gsp-could-be-in

I'm the kind of girl who loves to watch a GOOD fight!
--------
Join the DC Area UFC Meetup Group
http://www.meetup.com/DCUFCGroup

by funnytiger on Oct 22, 2009 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

There are MMA fans that say that in regards to Jon “Bones” Jones fighting Machida. Understandably, Rumble is a hot prospect who has been KOing or TKOing his competition so far, so it is easy to jump on his bandwagon (especially since there aren’t too many real threats to GSP’s Title at this time).

by chrisbboy82 on Oct 22, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The difference is those praising Jones say he might be a threat to Machida in a couple years after he improves his cardio and refines his striking, the Johnson nuthuggers act like he could beat GSP tomorrow.

Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.

by ufc4 on Oct 22, 2009 11:26 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

AJ is from Dublin, GA so I'm swinging from his nuts like they're monkeybars

But he would get tooled by GSP right now. Give the kid a couple years and a couple fights, then we can talk.

We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.

by Robert Downey Sr. on Oct 22, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

True that. I am a fan of Johnson’s, but I am not naive to believe that he could beat GSP anytime soon (outside of a puncher’s chance). However, if Johnson keeps winning and keeps showing improvement, I will definitely want to see him fight GSP in the future.

by chrisbboy82 on Oct 23, 2009 4:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anthony Johnson Faces Stiff Test in Yoshiyuki Yoshida

Stiff like this?

Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett

by themachiavellian on Oct 22, 2009 11:01 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

I like yoshida for this fight, but lol.

UFC 104=> ben rothwell will UD the shit outta Velasquez.

by spectaa on Oct 22, 2009 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I find it funny when people use one instance in which a fighter got KO’d for every prediction. Yoshida’s GCM footage should exude a little fear in some of his opponents. Maybe not Johnson, but maybe Yoshida can work those types of gameplans against him.

Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Oct 22, 2009 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was making a pun on "stiff".

I think YY has a better chance than most people are giving him, especially if he can tangle up Rumble with dizzying throws. Clementi did submit AJ early on, though I assume (hope) he has since improved his ground game & sub defense. However, if he tags YY at will like Koscheck (an inferior striker) did, Yoshida will be on the wrong end of another HL-Reel KO.

Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett

by themachiavellian on Oct 22, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm pulling for Rumble, but Yoshida is no joke.

His Judo could make this interesting.

"Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity." - Bullet Tooth Tony
@deowade

by Deo Wade on Oct 22, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mr. Machine is a little less of a test than AJ

by bigweeze on Oct 22, 2009 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yoshida’s put some heads to sleep and tossed a number of guys. be brings a set of skills that johnson hasn’t seen. period. same as johnson for him. this is a truly stylistically interesting match-up.

Gatti. Dekkers. Pele. Aoki. Kang. Vanderlei.
http://theworldsoldestsport.blogspot.com/

by theworldsoldestsport on Oct 22, 2009 11:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I really think this fight could be a toss-up but who knows. I’m surprised Johnson can even make the weight cut to 170. He’s huge for that weight class!
Also I wouldn’t really call Koscheck an inferior striker at this point…

by Lunchbox15 on Oct 22, 2009 12:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I know theyre in diff weight classes but as far as up and comers go Johnson should be getting wayyyyyy more love and hype than Jon Jones. Love me some Rumble!

SHOGUN WILL SLAY THE DRAGON!!!
SHOGUN TO BE THE NEW LHW CHAMP!!!
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."

by xFenixKnightx on Oct 22, 2009 1:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Why? Jones is unbeaten and has fought tougher competition in the UFC than AJ has.

Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.

by ufc4 on Oct 22, 2009 4:08 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

Hey man, Anthony Rumble Johnson is gonna give ~~Denver, Colorado~~ Los Angeles, California, the privilege of watchin’ him do somethin’. lol

Meh Im not sold on JJ yet. He’s fought 3 guys in the UFC. 2 of them aren’t even in there anymore. Bonner wouldn’t be either except Dana and his fricken promise. We’ll see, I dont hate him or anything I just think people overhype him too much and don’t give Rumble enough props.

SHOGUN WILL SLAY THE DRAGON!!!
SHOGUN TO BE THE NEW LHW CHAMP!!!
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."

by xFenixKnightx on Oct 22, 2009 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That still doesn’t answer the question of why you think Johnson should be getting “wayyyyyyyyy more love and hype”. You know how many of the 5 guys AJ has fought are still in the UFC? One.

Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.

by ufc4 on Oct 22, 2009 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yoshida has one BIG problem

He’s flat out scared of taking a big shot. Watch the Koscheck fight, he was terrified to get inside of Josh’s striking range. If he’s overcome that, and has the aggression to at least make it to the clinch, he’ll have a solid chance. Otherwise, we may be in for another 1st round knockout.

by Shaun32887 on Oct 22, 2009 1:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This might be slightly off topic

But I’m gonna bring it up anyway- how come everyone acts like Brock is a big piece of shit because of the way he acts and what he did after the fight against Mir but nobody ever brings up Anthony Johnson’s domestic violence arrest? All I hear about AJ is how awesome he is and how he’s gonna destroy everyone.

Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.

by ufc4 on Oct 22, 2009 4:06 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs

I may be wrong, but I thought AJ said he was innocent

& the charges ended up being dropped. I dont believe all of these just because the guy was arrested. Nowadays, cops have to arrest someone if they get called out & I was at one of my friends house when his ex stopped by. After she left, the cops came & said she reported that he hit her, which never happened, & they arrested him even with me sitting right there saying it was not true. The people that dislike Brock do so because they see how he is acting & it is not a secondhand story. His antics dont bother me, but I can see how some people may not like it.

Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.

by dnevil001 on Oct 22, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Uh oh... where's jem at?

Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Oct 22, 2009 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who knows,

but this guy has been on here for a while just whacking AJ for some reason? It amazes me that fans hate fighters so much that a conversation about anything other than bashing cant happen.

Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.

by dnevil001 on Oct 22, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Where is this bashing you’re talking about?

Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.

by ufc4 on Oct 22, 2009 5:22 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

Well you have brought up over & over

that some people really like him & want him to face GSP & then you bring up his domestic violence out of the freaking blue. So….. I think that its pretty obvious.

Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.

by dnevil001 on Oct 23, 2009 8:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can’t stand all the undeserved hype behind Johnson. He seems to be developing really well but as of now I really haven’t seen anything from him that has impressed me that much…. aside from when he busted out that epileptic breakdance.

I’m picking Yoshida for the upset.

Sorry, he Jason Bourned me.

by MMAussie on Oct 22, 2009 5:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I’ve been saying that for a while now but nobody seems to agree with me even though Johnson has yet to actually beat a top-25 opponent.

Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.

by ufc4 on Oct 22, 2009 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeh there’s that, and also the fact that he supposedly has really dynamic (i think that’s the word that gets thrown around the most for Rumble) striking, but in his rematch with Burns i didn’t think there was all that much separating them on the feet until that devastating head-kick.

Sorry, he Jason Bourned me.

by MMAussie on Oct 22, 2009 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs