After Yoel Romero was deemed medically unfit to compete, a new opponent would step up to keep the Grand Prix alive. Anthony Johnson vs Jose Augusto is our new co-main event at Bellator 258, and “Rumble” believes he has a tougher task ahead of him with the new opponent.
Anthony Johnson vs Jose Augusto has fight of the year written all over it and with the promotion being so consistent in living up to and beyond the hype, we can be sure for another amazing event this Friday. Let us discuss the techniques and abilities each fighter possesses and how they can secure the victory on May 7th.
A Look At the Fighters
Anthony “Rumble” Johnson returns at Bellator 258 and is looking to prove once again why he is one of the greatest fighters in the history of the light-heavyweight division. Explosive power and ruthless aggression are the perfect way to describe this athletic freak of nature. Johnson hasn’t competed in a mixed martial arts bout since 2017 where he came up short in a title bout against UFC legend Daniel Cormier. Johnson shocked the world by announcing his retirement, and he then bulked up and the thought of him returning at anything other than heavyweight seemed impossible.
Here we are, four years later and one of the most powerful punchers in combat sports history is only days away from returning to the cage. Heading into this bout, Anthony must be careful of submission attempts. Augusto has a very dangerous grappling game and Johnson wants to get him out of there as quick as he can. Returning with possibly a whole new arsenal of moves makes “Rumble” that much more dangerous, his overhand and straights will be more devastating than ever and will pose a huge threat to Augusto.
Jose Augusto is heading into this pivotal matchup looking to shock the world on short notice. Jose is on a five-fight winning streak and looks to add another finish to his column of victories this Friday against “Rumble”. Anthony Johnson vs Jose Augusto is such a dangerous matchup for both athletes, with unreal power in striking facing unorthodox technique in grappling, this fight makes mixed martial arts that much more unpredictable.
Coming off of an arm-triangle victory against Jonathan Wilson, “Gugu” will be looking to prove he is a mainstay in one of Bellator’s most exciting divisions. Although the highlights in Augusto’s game do come in his grappling, he only has two submission victories. Augusto’s power is very overlooked and the perfect strike can put anyone’s lights out. The light-heavyweight prospect has amazing takedown defense but will be looking to incorporate grappling offensively.
Anthony Johnson vs Jose Augusto Breakdown
This fight is a perfect return for Johnson, he has an extremely difficult challenge whereas, on the other hand, Augusto has an incredible opportunity to jump one step closer to a title shot. The power has equal respect but “Rumble” knows that striking exchanges must happen for him to win, Jose is comfortable on the ground and will not shy away from standing with the Johnson but will be very wary.
Anthony Johnson vs Jose Augusto has the makings to be a fight of the year. “Gugu” will be looking to counter all of Anthony’s powerful shots but being a veteran of this game, “Rumble” will not just throw recklessly and allow himself to get caught. Augusto should look to change levels when Johnson puts the pressure on, from here he will look for a submission finish but this may be difficult as “Rumble” has definitely improved his jiu-jitsu defense since his last time out.
With everything on the line for both men and power that could lift a house, don’t be surprised if Anthony Johnson vs Jose Augusto is a short and sweet fight that delivers a knockout or submission of the year. Quick entries and exits of the pocket are bound to happen to test the waters of each competitor, however, this could be a mistake that costs either one of them the fight.
Thank you for joining me in this Anthony Johnson vs Jose Augusto fight breakdown and preview. Leave your prediction down below in the comments!
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