• UFC 132

Rumble Johnson ready to fight Penn... for a pay rise

ESPN staff
April 2, 2011
Anthony Johnson is a huge welterweight © Getty Images
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Anthony Rumble Johnson has thrown his name into the hat to replace Jon Fitch as BJ Penn's opponent at UFC 132.

Fitch and Penn had been set for a rematch to discover the No. 1 contender in the welterweight division, but a shoulder injury for the AKA man has left Penn searching for a new opponent.

The UFC has plenty of time to find a replacement for the July 2 card, and Johnson is a willing option. The American recently revealed he is no longer allowing his body to blow up in weight between fights for the very reason that he may be called upon at short notice.

Having beaten Dan Hardy, displaying explosive striking and powerful takedown offence, the giant Johnson would provide a severe test for former lightweight champion Penn, who has struggled against more physical opponents in the past.

"Hell, if I fight BJ they're for sure going to have to renegotiate my contract," Johnson was quoted as saying by MMA Die Hards.

"If the opportunity was presented, would I take a fight like that? Yeah. I don't say no to fights and I like to fight, if I'm winning or not, I still like to fight.

"So yeah, I would take that fight. I feel like at this point I have no choice but to be ready."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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