Could “Rumble” become the UFC Light Heavyweight champion?

Now that was brutal. Anthony Johnson stopped Ryan Bader this past weekend with strikes on the ground in just 86 seconds. It was perhaps one of the most dominant victories in light heavyweight action we’ve seen in quite some time. Bader shot in for a sloppy takedown and paid the price against the explosive Johnson. “Rumble” sprawled beautifully to avoid being taken to the ground and in a reversal of fortunes took top position over Bader. What followed was calculated strikes that eventually forced the referee to step in and save Bader from Johnson’s onslaught. Just like that Anthony Johnson has cemented that he’s the third best man in the light heavyweight division. In this bout we saw a more patient, more calculated, and perhaps even the most dangerous version of Anthony “Rumble” Johnson that we’ve seen to date. Despite that it still begs the question: does Johnson have what it takes to defeat the likes of Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones? Usually it’s ill advised to discuss such possibilities so close after a UFC event simply because the thought process is pretty biased. Watching Johnson dominate Bader the way he did would have most anyone thinking that he’d be able to dethrone the current light heavyweight champion Cormier or the former champ Jones. Usually I would caution against coming to such a rash decision. But there was certainly something different about Johnson in this fight, a difference that could ultimately see him wearing UFC gold by the end of the year. In this fight we didn’t see the emotional wrecking machine that Johnson has presented himself as countless times before. Instead we so controlled violence Rumble, a more tactful and patient approach that’s perhaps is even more frightening than the bull rushing explosive style we’ve all become accustomed to. Johnson waited for his opportunity then took advantage of the situation beautifully. He secured mount and rather than put all his power into every punch simply peppered Bader with shots until the bout was halted. Johnson has always been an extremely powerful man so to see him choosing to pick his shots rather than throw everything into each strike was very telling. To me Johnson looked more impressive than ever. His patience is perhaps the most important weapon to have in his arsenal at this point. If he wishes to defeat Cormier and Jones in the future then he needs to have that same kind of poise and composure. Most of Johnson’s losses have come due to him overextending himself and getting caught up in the moment. If he implements the same kind of patience and calculation that he used against Bader in future match ups then it wouldn’t be surprising to be calling Anthony “Rumble” Johnson the UFC light heavyweight champion come December. Do you think Anthony Johnson can become UFC light heavyweight champ? Let us know in the comments and forums. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter. Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor and geek culture enthusiast. Follow him on Twitter and keep up with his latest exploits.