MMA News Forums » MMA Forums » General MMA Forum

[Cat--Smasher]

Anthony Johnson Talks WSOF, Tyrone Spong & Jones-Sonnen

“As far as preparing for Linderman is concerned, I feel great,” Johnson told BJPenn.Com Radio. “Everything is going according to the plan, my camp has been good. I’m healthy, I don’t have any injuries and I feel great. With each fight I feel more comfortable at 205 and I’m getting used to the weight. I’m finally a happy man, I don’t have to cut nearly as much weight as I used to. I still have to cut 20lbs. to fight at 205, but I feel great. It’s an honor to fight for the WSOF, Ray Sefo has been a big inspiration for me. He’s been through the battles and understands what we go through. I think the WSOF could be a big thing and I’m honored to be part of the first show.”

“If the WSOF plays their cards right and I think they will they are going to be around for awhile. A lot of people come in and try to compete with the UFC, but that’s where they make their mistake. You can’t compete with an organization that’s been around for so long and is so strong. WSOF has guys who have been in battles and been in the business for a long time. Sefo has been a fighter and a trainer so he knows the ins and outs of the business.”

One of Johnson’s teammates is also fighting on the WSOF card, Tyrone Spong has played an integral role in helping Johnson enhance his standup and become the beast Spong believes he can be. In turn, Johnson sees a bright future in mixed martial arts for the kickboxing legend.

“I think Tyrone will be just fine, he comes from a Dutch style kickboxing background and he’s super tough,” said Johnson. “I’ve gotten more aggressive since I moved up to 205, I have been putting pressure on my opponents. Spong and coach Ernesto Hoost are the ones who taught me to fight like that. Spong is as tough as they come, he’s been in there with the best kickboxers and now he’s working with some of the best fighters in MMA.”

The buzz in MMA over the past week has centered around the announcement of Jon Jones and Chael Sonnen coaching opposite one another on the next season of The Ultimate Fighter. The two will then meet in April for Jones’ light heavyweight championship, something that many feel Sonnen hasn’t rightfully earned.

“I think there are other people in front of Sonnen, but who doesn’t want to see Jones and Sonnen fight,” asked Rumble. “Chael is the king of talk and Jon is the champ. I respect both of them, I think Chael is going to do what he does best and that’s move forward and take some punches. Jon is going to do what he does best and find a way to win. Jon is smart, I understand why he didn’t take the fight with Chael the first time it was offered to him. He likes to study his opponents, he knows them from head to toe and that’s one of the reasons he turned it down initially. Now that he’s had time he’s willing to take the chance against Sonnen and he’s going to do fine.”

Exclusive | Anthony Johnson Talks WSOF, Tyrone Spong & Jones-Sonnen | MMA NEWS MMA News | Mixed Martial Arts | UFC News | BJPenn | MMA Fight | UFC Fights


World Series of Fighting expects sellout in debut show
http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/10/2...-of-debut-show

With eyes on WSOF debut, Andrei Arlovski says blood feud with Tim Sylvia is finally over
http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/10/2...-feud-with-tim

World Series of Fighting eyes 8-12 events and title fights in 2013
http://mmajunkie.com/news/31280/worl...ie.com+Feed%29


WSOF 1 adds Tyrone Spong vs. Travis Bartlett to NBC Sports-televised main card
http://mmajunkie.com/news/31275/wsof...ie.com+Feed%29

[cnlclink]

Originally Posted by Cat--Smasher

Anthony Johnson Talks WSOF, Tyrone Spong & Jones-Sonnen

Spong and coach Ernesto Hoost are the ones who taught me to fight like that

Oh man, Hoost? Wow, AJ should be learning everything he can from Hoost. That guy was, in my opinion, at the tippy top of the best kickboxers of all time. Mr. Perfect was the perfect name for him so what an opportunity for AJ! Not a huge fan but I would love to see how much he has learned under a guy like Hoost.

On a side note I think St. Pierre should train under Hoost in a pure kickboxing training camp just for learning.

I dunno, I can't say enough good about Hoost.

[1inthechamber]

I cant wait to see Tyrone Spong's debut

[optimusjoel]

Originally Posted by 1inthechamber

I cant wait to see Tyrone Spong's debut

Same here, is wrong that I want to see him thrown directly into the UFC.

[Flou]

Tyrone Spong fighting with people who his size should be intresting. In K1 his biggest downfall was his size. Over half of the fighters were bigger than him. Hopefully he has at least some sort of takedown defence.

[1inthechamber]

Originally Posted by Flou

Tyrone Spong fighting with people who his size should be intresting. In K1 his biggest downfall was his size. Over half of the fighters were bigger than him. Hopefully he has at least some sort of takedown defence.

Hopefully his tdd is coming along well, he does have Rashad and trained with king mo as well.

@Optimus I kinda feel the same way but I want him to be built-up the right way, no shortcuyand no feeder matches after he has at least 6 or 7 fights.

[rough-n-tumble]

Originally Posted by cnlclink

Oh man, Hoost? ...On a side note I think St. Pierre should train under Hoost in a pure kickboxing training camp just for learning....I dunno, I can't say enough good about Hoost.

I miss seeing Hoost's win dance. Silva does it every now and then. And if he can decently coach close to how he fought fighters should be climbing fences to get into his gym.

[Kimbo> Rampage]

Still dont think LHW is the right division for AJ... especially if he wants back into the UFC and has a goal of becoming a champion... He has added some good bulk to himself since moving up...

WW was too big of a cut, but MW is just right... There are a lot of bigger MW's out there now.

Lets also hope Spong pans out... If he develops some top notch TDD, he will be someone to look out for.

[lwbrewer]

To many past negitives so I'll use the wait and see approach.