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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Though World Series of Fighting officials haven't announced it yet, Anthony "Rumble" Johnson revealed this past week in an interview with MMAInterviews that he's got his next fight set. The former UFC welterweight will take on Mike Kyle at WSOF 5, which takes place from Atlantic City on Sept. 14.
Johnson has found continued success over the last couple of years after his release from the UFC. After missing weight and losing to Vitor Belfort, he's won five straight fights at weight classes above where he competed in the Octagon.
That includes two fights in the WSOF already, where he's knocked out D.J. Linderman at light heavyweight on the WSOF debut card, then defeated Andrei Arlovski by decision in a heavyweight fight in the WSOF 2 headliner.
Kyle would be making his WSOF debut on the card after a win over Travis Wiuff at CFA 11 in Florida on AXS TV last month. That was his first appearance since his Zuffa release, which came after a submission loss to Gegard Mousasi in January on the final Strikeforce card.
Penick's Analysis: This will be a solid light heavyweight match up for the WSOF. "Rumble" is working his way back to a potential UFC return given the success he's having at light heavyweight and above, and a win over Kyle could move him even closer. It feels a little like a step down from the name Arlovski has, but Kyle's been a competitive light heavyweight for a while and represents a good challenge for Johnson to see where he's at.
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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