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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Bellator Fighting Championships' Heavyweight Champion Cole Konrad is a two-time NCAA D-1 wrestling champion, and the organization has added another former collegiate wrestler to their heavyweight roster.
Tony Johnson, Jr., a former King of the Cage Heavyweight Champ and former wrestler at Iowa State, brings a 5-1 record into his Bellator debut at Bellator 41 later this month. Johnson will meet undefeated heavyweight Carlos Flores on April 16 in Yuma, Ariz.
"Tony is a fighter we have had our eye on for quite some time," said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. "He's one of the top heavyweight prospects in the world right now, and will make a great addition to our already impressive heavyweight lineup."
Johnson began his MMA career in 2008, winning his first four fights before suffering a submission loss at the hands of Strikeforce standout and former Olympic wrestler Daniel Cormier in August of 2010. He enters Bellator having rebounded with a decision win over Boban Simic last November.
"I definitely want to be a part of the next Bellator Heavyweight Tournament," said Johnson. "I think it would be a great opportunity for me. It would mean everything to me to become the next Bellator Heavyweight Champion."
"I can only improve. I plan on getting better and better every time I enter that cage. I feel in my heart like I'm able to compete with the best heavyweights out there, and now it's time for me to prove it. I'm ready for it. I'm ready to take that next challenge."
EDIT: Bellator's press release touted Johnson as a four-time All-American at Ohio State. Johnson attended Iowa State and was not an All-American wrestler.
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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