Tony Johnson (fighter)

Anthony "Tony" Johnson Jr. (born February 6, 1986) is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Heavyweight division of Absolute Championship Akhmat where he is the former ACA Heavyweight Champion. A professional competitor since 2008, Johnson has formerly competed for Bellator MMA, ONE Fighting Championship, Fight Nights Global, and King of the Cage. He is the former KOTC Heavyweight Champion. He is ranked #5 in the ACA heavyweight rankings.[1]

Tony Johnson Jr.
BornAnthony Johnson Jr.
(1986-02-06) February 6, 1986
Killeen, Texas, U.S.
Other names"Hulk"
NationalityAmerican
Height6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight265 lb (120 kg; 18.9 st)
DivisionHeavyweight
Reach74 in (188 cm)
Fighting out ofNashville, Tennessee, U.S.
TeamNashville MMA /Sidthilaw Muay Thai/American Kickboxing Academy
Years active2008–present (MMA)
2017 (Kickboxing)
Kickboxing record
Total1
Wins0
Losses1
By knockout1
Mixed martial arts record
Total26
Wins16
By knockout9
By submission1
By decision6
Losses8
By knockout3
By submission1
By decision4
Draws1
No contests1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Mixed martial arts career

King of the Cage

After going undefeated in his first three professional mixed martial arts fights, Johnson signed with King of the Cage and challenged Tony Lopez for his KOTC heavyweight championship on March 26, 2010, at KOTC: Legacy. Also being the KOTC light heavyweight champion, Lopez was undefeated his last sixteen fights, which marked Johnson's most experienced opponent at the time. Johnson recorded the upset, using his wrestling to defeat the much more experienced Lopez via unanimous decision and becoming the KOTC heavyweight champion in just only his fourth professional fight.[2]

Johnson made his first title defense against then prospect and future UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier at KOTC: Imminent Danger on August 13, 2010. He lost the fight and KOTC heavyweight championship in the first round via rear-naked choke submission, resulting in his first professional loss.[3]

Johnson rebounded from his loss to Cormier by defeating Boban Simic via unanimous decision on November 13, 2010 at KOTC: Infusion.[4]

Bellator

In April 2011, it was announced that Johnson had signed with Bellator, with his promotional debut expected to take place at Bellator 41 on April 16 against Carlos Flores.[5] Johnson, however, was later replaced by Rudy Aguilar due to unknown reasons. Johnson eventually made his promotional debut against current UFC competitor Derrick Lewis at Bellator 46 on June 25, 2011.[6] He won the fight via unanimous decision by 29–28 on the scorecards.[7]

ONE Fighting Championship

After being sidelined for nearly two years due to issues with his Bellator contract,[8] Johnson signed with Singapore-based promotion ONE Championship and faced former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia at ONE Fighting Championship: Rise to Power on May 31, 2013.[9] The fight was contested at a catchweight of 271 lbs. after Sylvia missed weight.[10] Johnson won the fight via TKO due to a doctor stoppage in the third round after an elbow by Johnson opened up a cut on Sylvia's forehead.[11]

Johnson next faced Chris Lokteff at ONE Fighting Championship: Warrior Spirit on November 15, 2013.[12] He lost the fight via split decision.[13]

Independent promotions

Over a year later, on November 22, 2014, Johnson faced Robert Neal at V3 Fights: Neal vs. Johnson and won via TKO due to elbows in the very first round.[14]

Return to Bellator

Johnson re-signed with Bellator and faced former Bellator heavyweight champion Alexander Volkov at Bellator 136 on April 10, 2015.[15] He won the fight via split decision. One judge scored the fight 29–28 for Volkov, while the other two judges scored it 29–28 to Johnson.[16]

Johnson faced former professional boxer Raphael Butler at Bellator 148 on January 29, 2016. Johnson utilised his wrestling to take Butler down and wear him down, before the referee stopped the bout in favour of Johnson, late in the third round due to punches (TKO).[17]

Johnson faced Cheick Kongo at Bellator 161 on September 16, 2016. He lost via majority decision. One judge had it 28–28 (even), while the other two judges scored the bout 29–28 in favor of Kongo.[18]

Kickboxing debut

Johnson made his professional kickboxing debut on April 7, 2017 at SUPERKOMBAT World Grand Prix I 2017 in Bucharest, Romania, being defeated by TKO (doctor stoppage) in round 1. If Johnson had won his bout against Lukasz Krupadziorow, he would have face Cătălin Moroșanu at SUPERKOMBAT World Grand Prix II 2017 in Madrid, Spain.[19]

Absolute Championship Akhmat

He fought for the vacant ACA Heavyweight Championship against Daniel Omielańczuk at ACA 114: Omielańczuk vs. Johnson. He won the fight by KO in the first round, becoming the first opponent to knock him out in 36 fights.[20]

Johnson defended his title on April 23, 2021 at ACA 122 against Dmitry Poberezhets. He won the bout via TKO from ground and pound in the third round.[21]

Johnson defended his title against Mukhumat Vakhaev on November 18, 2021 at ACA 132: Johnson vs. Vakhaev. He won the bout after dropping Vakhaev and then finishing him on the ground at the end of the first round.[22]

Johnson was scheduled to make his third title defense against Salimgerey Rasulov at ACA 137 on March 6, 2022.[23] After being unable to obtain a visa in time, Johnson was forced to pull out of the bout.[24]

Johnson was rescheduled against Salimgerey Rasulov for ACA 138 on March 27, 2022. He lost the bout and title after being knocked out in the first round.[25]

Johnson faced Evgeniy Goncharov on September 23, 2022 at ACA 145. He lost the bout via knockout at the end of the first round.[26]

In the Quarter-final of the 2023 ACA Heavyweight Grand Prix Johnson faced Anton Vyazigin on June 2, 2023 at ACA 158: Mokhnatkin vs Olenichev, losing the bout via unanimous decision.[27]

Personal life

Johnson has four daughters.[28]

Johnson used to train at Evolution MMA in Miami, FL. A gym owned by Head Coach Dan Monteleone.

Johnson currently trains at Nashville MMA in Nashville, TN.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Kickboxing record
Professional kickboxing record
0 wins, 1 loss (1 (T)KO), 0 draws
Date Result OpponentEventLocation MethodRoundTime
2017-04-07LossPoland Lukasz KrupadziorowSUPERKOMBAT World Grand Prix I 2017Bucharest, RomaniaTKO (doctor stoppage)10:58
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown
26 matches 16 wins 8 losses
By knockout 9 3
By submission 1 1
By decision 6 4
Draws 1
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 16–8–1 (1) Anton Vyazigin Decision (unanimous) ACA 158: Mokhnatkin vs Olenichev June 2, 2023 5 5:00 Saint Petersburg, Russia 2023 ACA Heavyweight Grand Prix Quarter-Final.
Loss 16–7–1 (1) Evgeniy Goncharov KO (punch) ACA 145: Abdulaev vs. Slipenko September 23, 2022 1 4:37 Saint Petersburg, Russia
Loss 16–6–1 (1) Salimgerey Rasulov TKO (punches) ACA 138: Vagaev vs Gadzhidaudov March 27, 2022 1 1:40 Grozny, Russia Lost the ACA Heavyweight Championship.
Win 16–5–1 (1) Mukhumat Vakhaev TKO (punches) ACA 132: Johnson vs. Vakhaev November 18, 2021 1 4:23 Minsk, Belarus Defended the ACA Heavyweight Championship.
Win 15–5–1 (1) Dmitry Poberezhets TKO (punches) ACA 122: Johnson vs. Poberezhets April 23, 2021 3 4:04 Minsk, Belarus Defended the ACA Heavyweight Championship.
Win 14–5–1 (1) Daniel Omielańczuk KO (punch) ACA 114: Omielańczuk vs. Johnson November 26, 2020 1 1:09 Łódź, Poland Won the vacant ACA Heavyweight Championship.
Loss 13–5–1 (1) Evgeniy Goncharov Decision (unanimous) ACA 97: Goncharov vs. Johnson 2 August 31, 2019 5 5:00 Krasnodar, Russia For the inaugural ACA Heavyweight Championship.
NC 13–4–1 (1) Evgeniy Goncharov NC (accidental eye poke) ACA 96: Goncharov vs. Johnson June 8, 2019 3 0:50 Lodz, Poland For the inaugural ACA Heavyweight Championship.
Win 13–4–1 Denis Smoldarev Submission (arm-triangle choke) ACA 92: Yagshimuradov vs. Celiński February 16, 2019 1 2:42 Warsaw, Poland
Win 12–4–1 D.J. Linderman Decision (unanimous) Final Fight Championship 34 November 16, 2018 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Draw 11–4–1 Aleksander Emelianenko Draw (majority) WFCA 50 August 18, 2018 3 5:00 Moscow, Russia
Loss 11–4 Vitaly Minakov TKO (punches) Fight Nights Global 82: Minakov vs. Johnson December 16, 2017 2 0:38 Moscow, Russia
Win 11–3 Magomedbag Agaev TKO (punches) Fight Nights Global 68: Pavlovich vs. Mokhnatkin June 2, 2017 1 1:20 St. Petersburg, Russia
Loss 10–3 Cheick Kongo Decision (majority) Bellator 161 September 16, 2016 3 5:00 Cedar Park, Texas, United States
Win 10–2 Raphael Butler TKO (punches) Bellator 148 January 29, 2016 3 4:24 Fresno, California, United States
Win 9–2 Alexander Volkov Decision (split) Bellator 136 April 10, 2015 3 5:00 Irvine, California, United States
Win 8–2 Robert Neal TKO (elbows) V3 Fights: Neal vs. Johnson November 22, 2014 1 1:21 Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Loss 7–2 Chris Lokteff Decision (split) ONE Fighting Championship: Warrior Spirit November 15, 2013 3 5:00 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Win 7–1 Tim Sylvia TKO (doctor stoppage) ONE Fighting Championship: Rise to Power May 31, 2013 3 3:25 Pasay, Philippines Catchweight (271 lbs) bout; Sylvia missed weight.
Win 6–1 Derrick Lewis Decision (unanimous) Bellator 46 June 25, 2011 3 5:00 Hollywood, Florida, United States
Win 5–1 Boban Simic Decision (unanimous) KOTC: Infusion November 13, 2010 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 4–1 Daniel Cormier Submission (rear-naked choke) KOTC: Imminent Danger August 13, 2010 1 2:27 Mescalero, New Mexico, United States Lost the KOTC heavyweight championship.
Win 4–0 Tony Lopez Decision (unanimous) KOTC: Legacy March 26, 2010 5 5:00 Reno, Nevada, United States Won the KOTC heavyweight championship.
Win 3–0 Cedric James TKO (punches) G-Force Fights: Bad Blood 2 September 26, 2009 1 1:44 Coral Gables, Florida, United States
Win 2–0 Steven Banks Decision (unanimous) BGONA: Warriors of the Ring August 22, 2009 3 5:00 Greensboro, North Carolina, United States
Win 1–0 Kenny Garner TKO (punches) G-Force Fights: Bad Blood 1 November 6, 2008 2 3:50 Miami, Florida, United States

See also

References
  1. "Rankings | UFC". www.aca-mma.com. Retrieved November 25, 2020.
  2. Ray Hui (March 26, 2010). "Two New Champions Emerge at King of the Cage: Legacy". mmafighting.com.
  3. Leland Roling (August 19, 2010). "Overlooked Battle of Top Flight Heavyweights Puts Spotlight on Division's Dire Need for Talent". bloodyelbow.com.
  4. "King Of The Cage: Infusion Official Results". mixedmartialarts.com.
  5. Mike Whitman (April 7, 2011). "Bellator signs former KOTC champion Johnson". sherdog.com.
  6. Mike Whitman (June 8, 2011). "Update: 8 bouts set for Bellator 46 on June 25". sherdog.com.
  7. Jordan Breen (June 25, 2011). "Bellator 46 Prelims: Aguilar Takes Split Decision, 'Popo' Impresses". sherdog.com.
  8. James Goyder (May 23, 2013). "ONE FC fighter Tony Johnson details struggle to free himself from Bellator contract clause". mmamania.com.
  9. Mike Whitman (May 8, 2013). "One FC 9 Undercard Gets Heavyweights Tim Sylvia, Tony Johnson Jr., 2 More Prelims". sherdog.com.
  10. James Goyder (May 30, 2013). "ONE FC 'Rise to Power' Weigh in Results: Tim Sylvia fails to make weight". mmamania.com.
  11. Luke Thomas (May 31, 2013). "One FC 9 results: Tim Sylvia loses by doctor stoppage to Tony Johnson". mmafighting.com.
  12. James Goyder (November 13, 2013). "Bout between once-beaten heavyweights Chris Lokteff and Tony Johnson Jr. Added to ONE FC 12: 'Warrior Spirit'". mmamania.com.
  13. Staff (November 15, 2013). "ONE FC 12 results: Yusup Saadulaev edges out Adriano Moraes". mmajunkie.com.
  14. Rainer Lee (November 25, 2014). "Beyond the Octagon: UFC vets go 4-0". bloodyelbow.com.
  15. Brent Brookhouse (March 11, 2015). "Bellator 136 card complete, Volkov vs. Johnson added to main card". mmajunkie.com.
  16. Staff (April 10, 2015). "Bellator 136 results: Will Brooks outgrinds Dave Jansen to retain title". mmajunkie.com.
  17. Staff (January 29, 2016). "Bellator 148 results: Paul Daley blasts Andy Uhrich, sets up Josh Koscheck rematch". mmajunkie.com.
  18. Mike Bohn (September 16, 2016). "Bellator 161 results: Kongo takes decision over Johnson, Warren submits Kakai". mmajunkie.com.
  19. "Veste mare primită de Cătălin Moroşanu: "Vă promit că aveţi ocazia să vedeţi poate cea mai". Prosport. March 31, 2017.
  20. Tudor Leonte (November 26, 2020). "TONY 'HULK' JOHNSON SMASHES DANIEL OMIELANCZUK IN ACA 114 TITLE HEADLINER". sherdog.com. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
  21. Sherdog.com. "ACA 122 - Johnson vs. Poberezhets". Sherdog. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  22. "ACA 132 Results - Johnson vs Vakhaev". MMA Sucka. November 19, 2021. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  23. "Тони Джонсън с нов съперник за ACA 137". mma.bg. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  24. Сосно, Георгий. "Титульный бой на АСА 137 перенесён. Тони Джонсон не смог вылететь из США". www.championat.com (in Russian). Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  25. "Салимгерей Расулов — новый чемпион ACA в тяжелом весе". AllBoxing.ru - все новости бокса, ММА (MMA), UFC (ЮФС), Bellator, ACA, бои без правил. Видео и фото, прямые трансляции (in Russian). March 26, 2022. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
  26. Фролов, Александр. "«Россия!» Патриотичный ростовчанин снёс громадного американца. Видео". www.championat.com (in Russian). Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  27. "Антон Вязигин победил Джонсона и вышел в полуфинал Гран-при АСА в тяжелом весе". matchtv (in Russian). June 2, 2023. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
  28. Tristen Critchfield (April 7, 2015). "After Rough Introduction, Bellator 136's Tony Johnson Credits AKA for Development". sherdog.com.
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