UFC Lifts Another Suspension, Why Ronda Rousey's Next Fight Was Moved, UFN 55 Weigh-In Results
- The suspension handed down by UFC officials to Anthony Johnson has been lifted. The promotion announced on Thursday after charges of domestic violence were dismissed vs. Johnson.
While nothing was made official regarding his return, "Rumble" is expected to meet Alexander Gustafsson in early 2015 in a likely No. 1 contender match. Below is the complete statement released by the UFC regarding Johnson:
The person who filed a civil temporary protection order against UFC contender Anthony Johnson last September voluntarily dismissed their complaint last week in the Florida Circuit Court. Before granting a dismissal of the case, the presiding judge independently questioned the alleging party regarding their voluntary intentions, and thereafter the judge dismissed the entire matter.
The dismissal of the case, along with an independent investigation that was commissioned by the UFC organization, brings closure to this matter for Johnson and allows him to return to competition in the UFC. As a result, UFC officials are exploring options for Johnson's next fight to take place early next year.
The UFC organization will not tolerate domestic violence, sexual assault or any other violation of its Code of Conduct. The organization is committed to thoroughly investigating all allegations and taking the appropriate action when warranted.
- Ronda Rousey's next fight was moved from January to February because of a back injury suffered by challenger Cat Zingano. The report was confirmed on "UFC Tonight" earlier this week.
Rousey and Zingano will square off in a battle of unbeatens at UFC 184 in Los Angeles for the female bantamweight title. The bout serves as the co-main event to Vitor Belfort challenging Chris Weidman for the middleweight title.
- Weigh-ins for Friday's UFC Fight Night 55 event took place from Sydney, Australia Thursday. In the main event, Michael Bisping squares off with Luke Rockhold in a five-round middleweight affair.
The entire card airs on UFC Fight Pass from the Allphones Arena. Other main card bouts include Al Iaquinta-Ross Pearson, Clint Hester-Robert Whittaker and Soa Palelei-Walt Harris. Complete weigh-in results can be found below:
MAIN CARD (UFC Fight Pass/10 p.m. ET)
Michael Bisping (185.7 lbs.) vs. Luke Rockhold (185.8)
Ross Pearson (155.5) vs. Al Iaquinta (155.5)
Clint Hester (185.5) vs. Robert Whittaker (185)
Soa Palelei (265) vs. Walt Harris (250.75)
PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC Fight Pass/7:45 p.m. ET)
Vagner Rocha (155.5) vs. Jake Matthews (156)
Anthony Perosh (206) vs. Guto Inocente (205)
Dylan Andrews (185.8) vs. Sam Alvey (185.4)
Louis Smolka (127) vs. Richie Vaculik (125.5)
Vik Grujic (171.5) vs. Chris Clements (170)
Luke Zachrich (185) vs. Daniel Kelly (185.5)
Jumabieke Tuerxun (136) vs. Marcus Brimage (136)