Anthony Johnson’s indefinite suspension from the UFC has been lifted after a civil case against him in relation to a former girlfriend was dismissed.
“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,” A statement from the UFC says. “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.”
Prior to his suspension Johnson had been on an eight fight winning streak and had been lighting up the Octagon with recent wins over Phil Davis and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira to find himself almost within reach of a light-heavyweight title shot at No.3 on the official rankings.
He had been set to face Alexander Gustafsson next, and with his legal troubles behind him and the Swedish fighter still in need of an opponent in the first couple of months of the new year that could well be the fight to make to establish the divisions next title challenger.
