UFC issues statement on Anthony Johnson's Facebook rant, launches formal third-party investigation

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will now investigate the "nasty" situation between Anthony Johnson and a unnamed woman from his gym, who he went out of his way to smear on his Facebook page on Tuesday (Aug. 18, 2015).

"Rumble" boasted about an argument with the woman, admitting that he berated her and threw her yoga mat across the gym. And he vowed to do it again if she didn't learn her lesson, all the while insulting her several times by making disparaging and distasteful remarks about her body and appearance.

The world's mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion released the following statement via its website late last night:

"UFC is aware of the situation involving Anthony Johnson. We take these matters seriously and have commenced a formal investigation by a third-party law firm. We will act accordingly once we gather more information."

Johnson, 31, offered an apology on Wednesday (August 19, 2015) and appeared contrite and regretful of his emotional decision to lash out against the woman on social media.

"I'm man enough to admit when I'm wrong and yesterday I was absolutely wrong," Johnson wrote on his Facebook page.

This is not the first time UFC has launched a third-party investigation in regard to its No. 1-ranked Light Heavyweight contender. In fact, the promotion suspended "Rumble" in March 2014 when a criminal complaint was filed against him for domestic violence. That civil case was ultimately dismissed and Johnson was reinstated in Nov. 2014.

Johnson is still scheduled to face Jimi Manuwa at UFC 191 on Sept. 5, 2015.