Anthony Johnson (right) (photo via UFC.com)

By FCF Staff

During Anthony Johnson’s first UFC run the heavy handed fighter was plagued by weight cutting issues, and following his loss to Vitor Belfort in 2012, “Rumble” was let go. Well, as the fighter gets set to face Daniel Cormier for the vacant light-heavyweight belt tonight at UFC 187, Johnson clearly understands that his previous mistakes set him on the right path.

Johnson, who has won nine straight fights since he was released by the UFC in 2012, recently told the promotion’s official site the following:

“I don’t regret any of the mistakes I’ve made regarding my weight because it made me who I am today,” he said. “If I would have been on-weight back in the day, I probably would’ve been arrogant and wouldn’t have been focused like I needed to me. Missing weight made me kick it into the next gear and do what I needed to do to be a successful fighter.”

Most recently, Johnson (19-4) stopped fellow contender Alexander Gustafsson in January to lock up a fight with now, former champ Jon Jones. Johnson returned to the UFC last April, and since then he’s also decisioned Phil Davis and KO’d Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.

UFC 187 will be hosted by the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.