Rumble would fight Penn for right price

Johnson walked away from the fight with Hardy completely unscathed and is ready to get back in there immediately.

“I’m staying in shape and trying to keep my weight down,” Johnson explained.  “Right now I’m only about 200 pounds, but I’m full of water right now.  When I run I sweat so much it looks like I just got out of a swimming pool, so if they were to tell me I have a fight in a month I know I’d be ready.  The weight would be easy to come off, I’m good to go.”

Johnson does not have any indication who his next opponent will be, but he is a candidate to fill in for Jon Fitch against B.J. Penn.  Fitch recently injured himself in training and Penn is in need of partner for the dance.  “Rumble” may not be the first choice on everyone’s list , but he did just beat a guy in Hardy who is only two fights removed from a title fight.

“Hell, if I fight B.J. they’re for sure going to have to renegotiate my contract,” said Johnson.  “If the opportunity was presented, would I take a fight like that? Yeah.  I don’t say no to fights and I like to fight, if I’m winning or not, I still like to fight.  So yeah, I would take that fight.”

Fighting a guy like Penn is a big step up in competition and a lot of fighters are not at that level.  Johnson has showcased multiple impressive victories in the Octagon, but none of them were against a fighter that is of Penn’s caliber, yet the NJCAA champion feels like he has to be prepared for those higher caliber fighters.

“I feel like at this point I have no choice but to be ready,” said Johnson.