Anthony Johnson handled Alexander Gustafsson last night (Jan. 24, 2015) in the main event of UFC on FOX 14, scoring a sensational -- and stunning -- first round technical knockout (watch video highlights here) to earn a title fight against division champion, Jon Jones, later this year (read about it here).
"Rumble" also handled himself outside the cage, humble and respectful in the wake of incredible accomplishment, considering how different his life might have been if a bogus domestic abuse case was not dismissed two months ago in South Florida.
It's the reason he nearly shared tears after the match with Gustafsson, who was visibly emotional after missing out on the opportunity to rematch Jones.
Nonetheless, Johnson -- who publicly supported Jones just days earlier in the midst of his cocaine scandal -- discussed his chances with a man he calls a "living legend" with the crew at FOX Sports 1 after his huge win Saturday night.
"[I’m going to take out Jon Jones] the same was I took "Gus" out … knock him out," Johnson said. "That’s the only thing I know — to finish people. I’m definitely going to do my best to finish Jon Jones because he is a beast.... Jon, keep your hands up, because if you don’t, it’s lights out."
Johnson continued to breakdown the 205-pound showdown at the UFC on FOX 14 post-fight press conference (watch it here).
"I think I’ll be the hardest puncher that he has ever faced," Johnson said. "Hopefully, I can do things that nobody else has done to him. Alexander gave him the worst beating he has ever had. Hopefully, I can give one 10 times worse."
While "Rumble" was gracious in victory and seemingly said all the right things, it was evident that he didn't agree with the way in which Jones reacted to Gustafsson's heart-breaking loss. Jones took to Twitter.com and quipped that he was, "Not impressed Alex," a knee-jerk reaction to what "The Mauler" had to say (read it here) moments after "Bones" beat Daniel Cormier at UFC 182.
"This world is screwed up in my opinion," Johnson said about the Tweet. "When somebody is down, people always want to step on you and keep you down. Nobody really wants to help you up.... Jon is who he is. He’s got bigger things to worry about than Alex."
Indeed, he does. And his name is Anthony "Rumble" Johnson. Whodathunk?