Anthony “Rumble” Johnson was a force to be reckoned with in the mixed martial arts (MMA) world.
Known for his incredible knockout power and charismatic presence, Johnson left a lasting impact on the sport.
Despite his untimely passing in 2022, his legacy inspires fighters and fans alike.
In this article, you will know Anthony Johnson’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Anthony Johnson’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anthony Kewoa Johnson |
| Birth Date | March 6, 1984 |
| Death Date | November 13, 2022 |
| Height | 6’2″ / 187.96 cm |
| Weight | 205 lbs / 92.99 kg |
| Nickname | Rumble |
| Education | West Laurens High School, Lassen College |
| Occupation Before MMA | Bouncer |
| Post-MMA Career | CBD Oil Company, Head of Fighter Relations for BKFC |
| Health Issues | Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis |
| Cause of Death | Organ Failure |
Anthony Kewoa Johnson was born in Dublin, Georgia, on March 6, 1984.
Early Life
His grandparents raised Johnson, and his early life was marked by a strong influence from his grandfather, football legend Walter Payton.
He attended West Laurens High School before earning a wrestling scholarship to Lassen College in California.
Here, Johnson became a junior college national wrestling champion, setting the stage for his future in MMA.
Professional Career
Johnson made his professional MMA debut in 2006, quickly gaining attention for his explosive fighting style.
He joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2007 and made an unforgettable debut by knocking out Chad Reiner in just 13 seconds.
Johnson competed in multiple weight divisions throughout his UFC career, including welterweight, middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight.
Johnson’s victories over Antônio Rogério Nogueira and Alexander Gustafsson were particularly memorable.
Anthony Johnson’s Net Worth Details
Anthony Johnson’s net worth is estimated to be $4.5 million as of 2025.
Contracts
- UFC Contract: Johnson’s most notable contract was with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). For his fight against Daniel Cormier at UFC 187 in 2015, he earned a base salary of $500,000.
- Bellator Contract: After he retired from the UFC, Johnson signed with Bellator MMA. His disclosed purse for his fight against Jose Augusto in 2021 was $230,000, which included a $50,000 bonus.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Date | Purse ($) | Performance Bonus ($) | Total Earnings ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UFC 187 | Daniel Cormier | May 23, 2015 | 500,000 | 0 | 500,000 |
| UFC 191 | Jimi Manuwa | September 5, 2015 | 230,000 | 50,000 | 280,000 |
| UFC on FOX 14 | Alexander Gustafsson | January 24, 2015 | 500,000 | 0 | 500,000 |
| UFC 204 | Glover Teixeira | October 8, 2016 | 500,000 | 0 | 500,000 |
| Bellator 258 | Jose Augusto | May 7, 2021 | 230,000 | 0 | 230,000 |
Endorsements
- Reebok Deal: Johnson was part of the UFC’s deal with Reebok, which provided him with additional income through sponsorships. However, the exact figures from this deal are not publicly disclosed.
- FBEC Worldwide: Johnson partnered with FBEC Worldwide for their hemp-based energy shot, WolfShot, contributing to his endorsement earnings.
Fight Records
| Result | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 23–6 | José Augusto Azevedo | KO (punch) | Bellator 258 | May 7, 2021 | 2 | 1:30 | Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinal. Later withdrew from the tournament due to illness. |
| Loss | 22–6 | Daniel Cormier | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC 210 | April 8, 2017 | 2 | 3:37 | Buffalo, New York, United States | For the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. |
| Win | 22–5 | Glover Teixeira | KO (punch) | UFC 202 | August 20, 2016 | 1 | 0:13 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Performance of the Night. |
| Win | 21–5 | Ryan Bader | KO (punches) | UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Bader | January 30, 2016 | 1 | 1:26 | Newark, New Jersey, United States | Performance of the Night. |
| Win | 20–5 | Jimi Manuwa | KO (punches) | UFC 191 | September 5, 2015 | 2 | 0:28 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Performance of the Night. |
| Loss | 19–5 | Daniel Cormier | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC 187 | May 23, 2015 | 3 | 2:39 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | For the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. |
| Win | 19–4 | Alexander Gustafsson | TKO (punches) | UFC on Fox: Gustafsson vs. Johnson | January 24, 2015 | 1 | 2:15 | Stockholm, Sweden | Performance of the Night. |
| Win | 3–0 | Keith Wilson | Decision (majority) | Rocky Mountain Nationals: Demolition | September 16, 2006 | 2 | 5:00 | Denver, Colorado, United States | Won the RMN Welterweight Tournament. |
FAQs
1. Who was Anthony Johnson, the 17th-century colonist?
Anthony Johnson was an African man brought to Virginia in 1621 as an indentured servant. After earning his freedom, he became a prosperous landowner and tobacco farmer. He is notable for being one of the first documented Black property owners in colonial America, owning land and even hiring indentured servants.
2. How did Anthony Johnson gain his freedom?
Anthony Johnson gained his freedom after completing his term as an indentured servant. He later acquired land and established himself as a successful planter, demonstrating the opportunities available to freed African laborers in early colonial Virginia.
3. What was Anthony Johnson’s role in early American slavery?
Anthony Johnson played a unique role in early American slavery. After gaining wealth and land, he hired European indentured servants and fought in court to retain ownership of an African slave named John Casor, marking one of the earliest legal cases of slavery in Virginia.
4. What challenges did Anthony Johnson face as a free Black man?
Anthony Johnson faced significant challenges, including racial prejudice and legal restrictions that hardened over time. A fire destroyed his property in 1653, but he received government relief. By the late 17th century, laws increasingly curtailed the rights of free Black individuals like him.
5. Who was Anthony Johnson, the actor?
Anthony Johnson (1966–2021) was an American actor and comedian known for roles in films such as Friday (1995), where he played Ezal, and Menace II Society (1993). He appeared in numerous movies and TV shows during his career before passing away in 2021.
6. What is Anthony Johnson’s legacy in the entertainment industry?
Anthony Johnson left a legacy as a talented actor and comedian who brought humor and memorable performances to films like Friday. Despite his untimely death, his work continues to be celebrated by fans of comedy and cinema.
7. Who was Anthony Johnson, the mixed martial artist?
Anthony “Rumble” Johnson (1984–2022) was an American MMA fighter known for his powerful striking ability. He competed primarily in the UFC, challenging for titles in both light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions before retiring from professional fighting.
8. What were Anthony “Rumble” Johnson’s achievements in MMA?
Anthony “Rumble” Johnson achieved fame for his knockout power and competed at the highest levels of MMA, including two UFC title fights. He retired with an impressive record of 23 wins, including 17 by knockout.
9. Did Anthony “Rumble” Johnson face legal issues during his life?
Yes, Anthony “Rumble” Johnson faced legal issues including domestic violence accusations and identity theft charges. While some cases were dismissed after agreements or court orders, they were notable events during his life outside of MMA.
10. How did Anthony “Rumble” Johnson pass away?
Anthony “Rumble” Johnson passed away on November 13, 2022, due to organ failure caused by a rare illness called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) combined with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. His death shocked the MMA community and fans worldwide.
