Anthony Johnson Willing to Face Jon Jones at Submission Underground
Anthony “Rumble” Johnson stepped into the cage for competition last night at Submission Underground 9 (SUG 9). He faced submission specialist Craig Jones in the main event where he was submitted via heel-hook by a very concerned Jones who did try a triangle choke before the moving to Johnson’s leg for the finish. Jones thanked Johnson for stepping in to face him in a grappling match and said he would not be returning the favor to face Johnson in MMA.
However, another Jones was brought to Johnson’s attention just before his match at Submission Underground; UFC Light-heavyweight Champion Jon Jones. Jon Jones fought to a split decision victory against Thiago Santos at UFC 239 just the night before and a fight with Johnson was always one fans hoped they would see before Johnson stepped away from MMA. Submission Underground aired on UFC Fight Pass and Karyn Bryant asked Johnson if he would face Jon Jones in the SUG cage for a grappling match to which he replied; “If Jon is up for it I’m up for it.”
You'll see it in the main event! A 70lb weight discrepancy between @UFC vet @Anthony_Rumble and the #3 ranked grappler in the world Craig Jones! #SUG9 #UFCFIGHTPASS pic.twitter.com/RI6XvHdI04
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) July 7, 2019
Johnson added, “At least we’re not trying to kill each other like everyone wants us to do, but if Jon wants to compete one way or the other like this, I’m totally down for it.” Jon Jones has competed against other MMA veterans in the SUG cage. In their second ever event, he faced Dan Henderson in the main event of SUG 2 where he submitted Henderson with an arm triangle.
SUG President Chael Sonnen who was happy to have Johnson step in the cage with Craig Jones, and interviewed him after losing the match asked Johnson if competing again is a sign we could see him back fighting soon, to that Johnson replied, “If the price is right.” If Johnson returns to the UFC to face Jones, he would have to cut a lot of weight to make 205 since he weighed in for SUG 9 match at 278 pounds.
