Anthony Johnson to receive title shot with WSOF 8 victory over Mike Kyle
Anthony Johnson is just one victory away from competing for his first-ever world championship.
According to World Series of Fighting officials, a win over Mike Kyle (20-10-1) at WSOF 8 next weekend will line up Johnson (15-4) to be one half of the promotion’s inaugural light heavyweight title fight, which is expected to take place later this year.
“If Anthony comes out on top in this fight, he’ll definitely be fighting for a title in his next fight,†WSOF President Ray Sefo said on today’s WSOF 8 media call.
Johnson has been on a roll since joining the WSOF ranks after a UFC release in 2012. The 29-year-old is 3-0 in the organization and has looked impressive in each showing.
The fight with Kyle is the last on Johnson’s current WSOF contract, he has not committed to re-signing with the promotion and said he’ll go “where the money is.â€
Johnson and Kyle are set to tangle Jan. 18 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. Fla. The event airs on NBC Sports Network with preliminary-card action streaming on MMAjunkie.
While a title shot is on the line for Johnson, the same can’t be said for Kyle, who has just two victories in his past six fights.
“I can’t really push Mike at the moment in terms of a title shot because in his first outing with us he lost,†Sefo said. “Obviously if he wins this one, then you never know, so we just have to wait and see what the outcome of the fight is.â€
Johnson said the stakes of the fight give him an extra burst of motivation as the days slowly wind down to fight night. The Team Blackzilians member will test the free agent market regardless of the outcome at WSOF 8, but he’s admittedly happy with his current employers. The promises of major opportunities like fighting for a belt don’t hurt, either.
“I’m really enjoying myself here,†Johnson said. “So we’re going to see what happens.â€
