UFC president Dana White says he had Anthony Johnson under contract, but that it was “in his best interest” to go to Bellator.<\/p>\n
When news broke this week that Johnson was making a comeback to MMA with Bellator and not with the UFC<\/a>, it surprised a lot of fans and media, who assumed that Johnson would want to make another title run in the Octagon. “Rumble” has been testing a comeback to the game for a little while now, and with Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones leaving the UFC’s 205lbs weight class, it seemed like a prime opportunity for Johnson to make a run for the UFC light heavyweight title in 2021.<\/p>\n Instead, Johnson is taking his talents to Bellator, where he immediately becomes one of the promotion’s most recognizable stars. Still, it remains unclear how Johnson ended up in Bellator when he seemed poised to make a comeback with the UFC. Speaking to TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter,<\/a> White from his point of view explained what led to Johnson’s release with the UFC and how he ended up signing with Bellator instead.<\/p>\n Dana White on the release of Anthony Johnson: "He was under contract with us, I would have loved to see him compete here. I don't know. Use your imagination."<\/p>\n White discusses roster cuts and how much he cares about what other promotions are doing. pic.twitter.com\/GrBhv9lF0S<\/a><\/p>\n — Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) December 10, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n