✦ Celebrity stories, facts and career updates. Explore F4U now →

Home › Biography › Anthony Rumble Johnson

Anthony Rumble Johnson biographyFeatured Biography

Image source: StarsUnfolded

Celebrities

Anthony Rumble Johnson Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 28, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth6 March 1984

Age38 (at time of death)

BirthplaceDublin, Georgia, U.S

ProfessionMixed Martial Artist

NationalityAmerican

Marital statusUnmarried (at time of death)

FamilyTwo children; a younger brother

Anthony Rumble Johnson Biography

Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson was an American mixed martial artist known for explosive knockout power and a successful run in the light heavyweight division. A

Early life and background

Anthony Kewoa Johnson was born on March 6, 1984, in Dublin, Georgia. Raised by his grandparents after being adopted by them at age two, he grew up in the same town where he later attended West Laurens High School. Johnson developed as a wrestler in his school years and earned a wrestling scholarship to Lassen College in Susanville, California. While at Lassen College he achieved recognition as a junior college national wrestling champion before completing his college education.

Career

Johnson began training in mixed martial arts at about age 20, following a friend's suggestion. He made his UFC debut on June 12, 2007, stepping in on short notice to face Chad Reiner; Johnson ended that fight with a 13-second knockout. Over the course of his career he primarily competed in the light heavyweight division and established a reputation for one-punch knockout power that led to the nickname "Rumble."

During his time in the UFC Johnson recorded several high-profile wins, including a rapid 13-second stoppage of former champion Glover Teixeira. Other notable victories on his record include wins over Alexander Gustafsson, Phil Davis, Andrei Arlovski and Dan Hardy. Johnson initially retired from mixed martial arts in 2017 but later returned to competition.

In December 2020 he signed a multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA and made his Bellator debut on April 16, 2020. His final recorded fight came in May 2021 at Bellator 258, where he secured a knockout victory over José Augusto Azevedo.

Public profile

Johnson competed as an orthodox fighter with a reach measured at 78 inches and fought at approximately 205 pounds (around 93 kilograms). He stood about 6 feet 2 inches tall (approximately 187 centimeters) and was noted for his powerful physique. His eye and hair color have been described as black.

Outside the cage, Johnson worked as a bouncer for a time after finishing college. He fathered two children with a former partner and had a younger brother. At the time of his death he was unmarried. He also appeared under the name Anthony Kewoa Johnson and was associated with the nickname "Rumble."

Health and death

Anthony Johnson died on November 13, 2022, at age 38. The reported cause of death was organ failure resulting from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, an uncommon immune-system disorder.

Latest updates

Johnson's last competitive appearance was the May 2021 Bellator 258 knockout win. His post-retirement return to the sport and the Bellator contract marked the final active chapter of his professional fighting career.
◈

Recent Work

Bellator 258 — José Augusto Azevedo

Knockout victory at Bellator 258 in May 2021

2021
✦

Career Highlights

  1. UFC debut in June 2007 with a 13-second knockout of Chad Reiner
  2. 13-second knockout of former UFC champion Glover Teixeira
  3. Notable wins over Alexander Gustafsson, Phil Davis, Andrei Arlovski and Dan Hardy
  4. Signed a multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA in December 2020
?

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Anthony Rumble Johnson born?

6 March 1984

What is Anthony Rumble Johnson known for?

Mixed Martial Artist

What is Anthony Rumble Johnson’s marital status?

Unmarried (at time of death)