Before you take issue with the use of the phrase knockout monster, have a look at the following clip.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO6jq0K1_gI
That was Anthony Johnson before he packed on the 35+ pounds to become one of the most dangerous light heavyweights in the UFC.
The aptly named “Rumble” fought at welterweight (when he made it), middleweight (kinda) and heavyweight (he made that one alright), so he knows all about the dangers of moving up a weight class. Speaking to Yahoo on Conor McGregor’s decision to move up to lightweight to fight for the title, Johnson claimed that the Notorious might not find it as easy at 155 lb.
“Conor is a very big featherweight and he has that advantage over those guys in his division,” Johnson said. “I believe he’ll understand the difference once he faces a true 155-pounder. They have the strength and speed and power you don’t see [at featherweight].
AJ feels the sudden increase in speed and power could overwhelm the Notorious, but he believes McGregor’s mental strength may be the x-factor that sees him overcome all the difficulties of the new challenge.
“When it’s fight time, I don’t want to say he’ll have a rude awakening, but he’ll have that, ‘Oh [crap],’ moment where he’ll wonder if he made the right decision. He’s such a unique guy and such a strong guy mentally that maybe he won’t, but my point is that there is a big difference each time you move up.”
Number two ranked Johnson takes on number four light heavyweight Ryan Bader in the main event of UFC Newark on Saturday.
