UFC News: Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson Posts Nasty Rant About Unnamed Woman, UFC Launches ‘Formal Investigation’
UFC fighter Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson felt the need to blow off some steam after a recent workout, but the angry rant he posted on Facebook about a female gym patron appears to have crossed a line. As reported by Sean Ross Sapp of WrestlingINC, the light heavyweight posted a lengthy tirade regarding a run-in with an unnamed woman in which he insulted her physical appearance, ridiculed her, and threatened to take her yoga mat away and throw it across the facility should she get in his way. Johnson’s post implied that he had already forcibly taken the woman’s mat and thrown it at some point in the recent past.
“To the ugly girl in the gym built like a bag of dry dog food, this is for you. If you get in my way or any other athlete way again I’ll through your yoga mat across the gym AGAIN.
“Who in their right mind stretches where ppl are suppose to lift? Don’t ever run your mouth at me again you won’t win that battle I will. Talking about it was rude that I lifted next to you while you were stretching. You need more than stretching to help that beat up body.
“Run to the front desk again crying talking about you feel threaten and gonna go to social media. I really don’t care! I’ve been through worse! That’s a athletes gym not a yoga studio. That fake crying does nothing for anybody btw. Just like the guy said you live in his neighborhood and you exaggerate and overreact all the time …
“So one more time don’t run your mouth and don’t do yoga stretching where ppl lift weights or I’ll snatch the mat from under you AGAIN and throw it AGAIN …
“Understand? Good girl …
“One more thing stop wearing sports bras when your tummy look like a old country red clay dirt road.”
Backlash ensued as Johnson’s tirade spread across social media and while he eventually deleted the original post, he remained defiant in the early stages of the flap. Via Twitter, the athlete explained that nobody “got hurt” in the incident. He shrugged off criticism saying, “I don’t live my life according to others.” Johnson later posted an apology on his Facebook page.
“I’m man enough to admit when I’m wrong and yesterday I was absolutely wrong,”
The disturbing tone and sentiments expressed in Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson’s online post merit an extra dimension of concern when juxtaposed with the fighter’s alleged history of domestic violence. MMA Torch notes that Johnson was temporarily suspended in 2014 after he was accused of physically abusing the mother of his children. The case was eventually dismissed and UFC reinstated him after conducting its own investigation.
Now faced with a new controversy involving Johnson, UFC is moving quickly to address the situation, issuing a statement that outlines their tack moving forward.
“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.”
UFC undoubtedly wants to resolve any concerns regarding Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, as the company has garnered increased scrutiny in the recent past over a spate of assaults involving current and former fighters. UFC’s Josh Grispi was arrested last year on charges that he assaulted his wife. Grispi later discussed the allegations during an appearance on Dr. Phil. In one of the most high-profile incidents, former UFC fighter Jonathan Koppenhaver — known to fans as War Machine — allegedly assaulted his ex-girlfriend Christy Mack earlier this year, inflicting potentially life-threatening injuries according to reports. Koppenhaver was eventually arrested by U.S. Marshals and his trial is set for later this year.
[Image via UFC]
