Troubled UFC light heavyweight contender Anthony Johnson got himself into hot water last week for posting a nasty rant on his Facebook page, which detailed how he threw a woman’s yoga mat across the gym when she chose to stretch near where he was (in the weight-lifting area). Johnson also insulted her physical appearance in the opening sentence:
Johnson later removed the statement from Facebook and issued a public apology. The UFC then enlisted a third-party law firm to undergo an investigation of the incident, and with the investigation now over, Johnson’s future with the promotion is not in jeopardy.
An official UFC statement published on Monday night detailed Johnson’s personal apology to the woman and the plan for “Rumble” to participate in counseling and donate to a women’s charity:
“Following a thorough investigation by a third-party law firm, UFC® is extremely disappointed with Anthony Johnson’s recent actions, as the organization does not tolerate behavior of this nature from any athletes under contract with the UFC. Johnson personally apologized to the woman he verbally offended at a Florida gym last week and for the insensitive comments he made on social media afterwards. The woman accepted Johnson’s apology and indicated a desire to put this unfortunate matter behind them. In order to ensure these situations do not happen in the future, Johnson has agreed to participate in counseling and UFC will support him through this process. Johnson has also agreed to make a donation to a Florida-based women’s charity.”
Johnson carries with him a controversial history involving his actions towards women. He pleaded no-contest and was sentenced to probation and ordered to go into counseling following a 2009 arrest on misdemeanor domestic violence charges. In 2014, Johnson was indefinitely suspended by the UFC after the mother of his children detailed alleged abusive behavior and threats made towards her. His suspension was lifted when the case was dismissed. This recent incident, however, evidently didn’t advance to any potential criminal charges, and his fight with Jimi Manuwa at UFC 191 will proceed as scheduled.
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