Back in MMA, Anthony Johnson says he wants to face Francis Ngannou

A. Johnson returns to the UFC in 2020. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook @UFC

the news that Anthony Johnson his return to MMA pleased many fans of the sport who admire the athlete's talent. The information, however, was added with an important detail: the athlete will be among the organization's heavyweights (up to 120,2kg). Knowing this, Johnson, who was fighting at light heavyweight (up to 93kg.) has already suggested one of the targets he would like to face upon his return. The athlete wants a clash against Francis Ngannou, who is desperately looking for a new opponent. The news was released by Brett Okamoto, journalist at 'ESPN'.

See too

Jedrzejczyk has weight problems and UFC Tampa main fight is at risk, says website

Gaethje criticizes McGregor for asking to fight Frank Edgar: 'Like a slap in the face to me'

Marreta updates on recovery: 'I can do almost everything except kick'

“I asked the Anthony Johnson about a potential fight against Francis Ngannou, whom he considered the scariest guy in the division. He (Francis) said he hopes to fight Ngannou, but not just to entertain everyone. He said the fight will be a big deal and it has to be something special,” Brett wrote on his official Twitter account.

A fight against Francis could be extremely positive for Johnson. The athlete, who would debut for Ultimate in the heavyweight division, in case of victory over his rival, would immediately be placed at the forefront of the category, and could become, in a short time, a potential challenger for the division title, which today belongs to The Stipe Miocic.

Johnson, who was already showing himself to be an extremely strong athlete in the division dominated by Jon JonesCertainly, in the upper category, it will become even more dangerous. Many athletes decide to retire after going through bad times in their career and simply realizing that their performance is no longer the same as it was in other times. With Anthony, the situation was different.

The fighter left the sport in a great phase. In his last fight, which took place in April 2017, the North American announced that he would hang up his gloves after being defeated by Daniel Cormier in a fight valid for the light heavyweight belt, representing the main fight of UFC 210. At the time, the athlete was just 33 years old.

In a recent interview with 'MMA Fighting', Johnson stated that what made him return to the sport was not the money. The fighter gave credits to Daniel Cormier e Stipe Miocic, who fought an exciting battle in the UFC 241 main event.

“Some people will say that my return is for the money. I'm back because I want to be back. DC and Stipe really motivated me to come back. I give them credit for making me want to fight again”, commented the giant.

With every fight fought, Francis Ngannou has shown himself to be one of the most dangerous men in the sport. So much so, that Ultimate has found it difficult to find opponents who can stand up to the athlete. In his last appointment, the French-Cameroonian did not learn about the former division champion, junior gypsy, and delivered a devastating knockout to the athlete in less than two minutes of combat.