UFC Closes Anthony Johnson Investigation, Fighter to Undergo Counselling
By FCF Staff
Following a social media rant which quickly caught headlines in the MMA world, the UFC has announced that Anthony Johnson will undergo counselling and make a donation to a women focused charity.
Johnson insulted a women in a Facebook post, after the two apparently had an argument at a Florida gym, which involved the fighter throwing her yoga mat across the facility. Johnson apologized for the outburst, but the UFC elected to launch an investigation, as the light-heavyweight was investigated last year after being accused of domestic violence. That case was dismissed, however, and the investigation was closed.
Recently the UFC posted the following statement regarding Johnson:
Following a thorough investigation by a third-party law firm, UFC® is extremely disappointed with Anthony Johnson’s recent actions, as the organization does not tolerate behavior of this nature from any athletes under contract with the UFC. Johnson personally apologized to the woman he verbally offended at a Florida gym last week and for the insensitive comments he made on social media afterwards. The woman accepted Johnson’s apology and indicated a desire to put this unfortunate matter behind them. In order to ensure these situations do not happen in the future, Johnson has agreed to participate in counseling and UFC will support him through this process. Johnson has also agreed to make a donation to a Florida-based women’s charity.
Johnson will face Jimi Manuwa at UFC 191®: JOHNSON vs. DODSON 2 on Saturday, September 5 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Johnson will be fighting for the first time since May, when he was submitted by champion Daniel Cormier.