MMA News: Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson injured, out of match against Glover Teixeira

Title hopes in jeopardy

Bad news for fight fans who were counting down the days to this barnburner between two of the most feared knockout artists in the UFC. Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson has officially pulled out of his match against Glover Teixeira. Nothing specific is available yet, but injury is the prime suspect.

The former Light Heavyweight title challengers were booked to be the penultimate contest at UFC Fight Night on July 23 from the United Center in Chicago. The card is as of now, headlined by a fight between former women’s Bantamweight champion Holly Holm and up-and-comer Valentina Shevchenko.

Teixeira will still fight on the card, according to current information and a replacement is being sought. The 36-year-old’s last fight was a first round blitz of former Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans in April. 

Since coming up short in the title throwdown against Daniel Cormier at UFC 187 in May last year, Johnson has knocked out Jimi Manuwa and Ryan Bader. A rematch for the title against the winner of Jones vs Cormier at UFC 200 was in his future, considering how shallow the 205 lbs division is at the moment. We will have updates on the reason behind his withdrawal and Teixeira’s opponent.