Anthony Johnson
Active 2007–present · rated in 2 editions · peak overall 88.0
Scouting report
Single-strike knockout power across multiple divisions defined Anthony "Rumble" Johnson's game. Born in Dublin, Georgia, Johnson earned two UFC title shots off knockouts of Alexander Gustafsson, Glover Teixeira (13 seconds), and Ryan Bader, his striking powered by a 93 Strength rating and 94 Boxing.
Peak ratings
By edition
Returning to the UFC at light heavyweight in 2014, Johnson beat Phil Davis on a decision at UFC 172, knocked out Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in round one in San Jose, and stopped Alexander Gustafsson in round one in Stockholm to earn a title shot against Daniel Cormier, who submitted him in round three at UFC 187, followed by a knockout of Jimi Manuwa at UFC 191. His one-punch knockout power and sprawl wrestling are reflected in a 94 Boxing and 86 Wrestling.
Johnson produced two first-round knockouts in 2016, stopping Ryan Bader in Newark and knocking out Glover Teixeira at UFC 202 in Las Vegas, before challenging Daniel Cormier for the title again at UFC 210 in Buffalo and retiring. His power and wrestling defense anchor his 95 Boxing and 86 Wrestling.
Anthony Johnson and the 13 second Glover Teixeira fight
Anthony Rumble Johnson struggled to make welterweight, moved up, and became one of the most dangerous light heavyweights of the mid 2010s. He knocked out Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in 44 seconds and stopped Alexander Gustafsson in the first round in 2015. In 2016 he stopped Ryan Bader in 86 seconds and knocked out Glover Teixeira in 13 seconds. Daniel Cormier submitted him twice, in 2015 and 2017, and he retired after the second loss. Draft him for fast, brutal finishes.
The Johnson ratings
Boxing. His best number. A right hand and uppercut that ended fights in seconds.
Kickboxing. Very good. Kicks and knees to add to a heavy standing attack.
Wrestling. Strong. He was a wrestler who could stuff takedowns and defend against strong opponents.
BJJ. 72. Both Cormier losses were by rear naked choke.
Strength. Very strong. He was physically imposing at 205 pounds.
Durability. Solid. He was rarely hurt, though he was tested in longer fights.
Cardio. A concern. He often ended fights early, and the Cormier losses came in later rounds.
Fight IQ. Sound. He learned to use his power and to keep his composure.
Power that ends the argument early
Boxing at 94 leads a card that also includes 93 in Strength and 88 in Kickboxing. That is a lot of force for a light heavyweight. The Teixeira and Bader fights show how quickly he can end things, and in a simulation the opponent has to survive the opening minute.
The mat is where he gets caught
BJJ at 72 is where he gets caught. Cormier got to his back and choked him twice, and any wrestler with a plan can try the same. Support him with a fighter who can control the ground, and hope he keeps the fight on his feet.
Keep exploring
Closest light heavyweight profiles to Anthony Johnson, measured by how near their peak attribute ratings sit across all eight categories.
- Dominick Reyesbest boxing 90 · weakest bjj 74
- Thiago Santosbest boxing 90 · weakest bjj 76
- Rampage Jacksonbest boxing 89 · weakest bjj 74
- Carlos Ulbergbest boxing 91 · weakest bjj 72
- Light Heavyweight division guide: how the whole division rates and who to draft from it.
- Grappling vs striking in the draft: a guide that fits Anthony Johnson's strongest attribute, Boxing.
Draft Anthony Johnson into your build
Anthony Johnson enters the pool on any spin landing on light heavyweight between 2014 and 2017. Spin, draft eight attributes, then simulate 25 fights.
Ratings shown are my own estimates, made with AI assistance and informed by how Anthony Johnson is regarded by the MMA community. They are unofficial and do not constitute an assessment of Anthony Johnson's real-world abilities. How the ratings are made. See the disclaimer below. Ratings and write-ups by Haaris A. Last reviewed 2026-09-30; spot an error? Tell us. Read our editorial standards.