UFC 142 Results: Anthony Johnson Cut Following Loss To Vitor Belfort

Anthony Johnson has had a bad week. During his final weight cut on Friday, he was forced to stop after the UFC doctor stepped in and forced him to rehydrate because Johnson was unable to move his legs. At the weigh ins it was announced that his opponent Vitor Belfort agreed to the fight as long as 'Rumble' was able to weigh in on Saturday at 205 pounds. When Johnson stepped on the scales he came in 11 pounds over the middleweight limit, people were shocked. When he 'apologized' for it, people were appalled.

To say that the fight with Vitor Belfort didn't go as planned would be an understatement. Johnson completed two of five takedown attempts and was unable to do much damage on the ground. He didn't fare much better on the feet being out struck by a seven to one margin and landing only five strikes. When he tapped to the rear naked choke, it was assumed that he'd be released.

The UFC sent out a quick quote following the fight where Johnson had this to say about his performance:

A loss is a loss. My legs just got really tired. I didn't get beat up in there and he really didn't hurt me with what he hit me with. I just got tired. I've got to figure this thing out.

He'll have to figure it out on the regional scene as UFC President Dana White is planning on giving Anthony Johnson his walking papers following the performance. After initially saying "he'd probably cut Johnson", Dana decided to make things official after having some time to mull it over. MMA Junkie has the story:

That was one of the most unprofessional things I've ever seen. The guy was at 170 pounds. He moved up to 185 pounds so this wouldn't happen anymore, and this is the worst weightcutting disaster he's ever had. He almost ruined the co-main event here in Brazil. I don't know what else to say about that one. I'm not happy about it.

...

I don't know who you blame in this one. Do you blame him? Do you blame his team? Do you blame his camp? I mean who takes the blame in this one? Ultimately, you're a grown man. You're responsible for your own actions.

After that performance I can't blame Dana. Anthony Johnson attempted to come into the fight as big as possible in order to bully Belfort. It backfired on him and he'll need to reevaluate his strategy and training camps going forward. Hopefully he can get back to the UFC after putting together a string of wins on the regional scene.

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