February - 2016
SCRAPP! FIGHT MAGAZINE
56
If you’ve been paying atten-
tion to Bellator at all you have
undoubtedly heard the name
Tony “Hulk” Johnson. The
heavyweight re-signed to the
promotion in early 2015. Since
he began fighting professional-
ly he’s faced some heavy hitters
like current UFC Heavyweight
Champ Daniel Cormier, and
former UFC Champ Tim Sylvia.
He currently holds a record of
10-2. Finishing 5 by TKO and
going the distance for 5 wins.
Proving Johnson is a not only
big dude who has knockout
power but has the stamina to
go the distance.
Currently fighting out of Nash-
ville, training with AKA &
Bonafyde MMA, Johnson is
quickly climbing the ranks of
the Bellator Heavyweight di-
vision. He just had his second
fight, since his return to com-
pany. With a 3rd round TKO
win over Raphael Butler at Bel-
lator 148, he’s now ranked 7th
in the world (outside the UFC).
Now he’s ready for a new chal-
lenge, and he’s made sure to
voice his opinion on those
standing in his way. I don’t
think he cares much about
who it is, as long as it keeps
him on the up.
Johnson is a beast in the ring,
but seems like a gentle giant
outside the cage. One pass
over his social media you often
see him in the gym with one
or all of his 3 little girls right
along with him. Which says to
me that not only is he teaching
them how to punch and block
a takedown but also teaching
them to follow their dreams.
Leading by example and pav-
ing the road to success all at
the same time.
I had the chance to talk to
Johnson, about life in and out
of the cage.
King “There have been a lot of
controversial wins lately, (Dil-
lashaw vs Cruz, Lawler vs. Con-
dit) how do you feel about the
way fights are scored’?
Johnson “Takedowns used to
win rounds, even if you didn’t
do any damage. The game is
evolving. You have to get in
there and finish. Especially in
title fights, if you want the belt
you have to take it. Finish the
fight and not leave it to the
judges”.
King “What are your plans for
2016 in and out of the ring”?
Johnson “Obviously in the cage
I want to get the belt,. Outside,
I want to become more well
known with the fans in the or-
Get to Know, Tony “Hulk” Johnson
by Felicia King Photo Credit Tony Johnson
