Donte Johnson plans to complete a 50lb body transformation after signing for the UFC.
The 6-0 prospect competed in the opening bout of Dana White’s Contender Series on Tuesday.
Standing at 6ft 6in and weighing 229lbs, Darion Abbey looked like he’d be a hard man to beat.
It looked like a mismatch when Donte Johnson, who gave up seven inches in height, stood across from his gigantic opponent – but it didn’t matter as the 5ft 11in, 209lb heavyweight stormed to a 64-second knockout victory.
Donte Johnson eyes welterweight UFC debut
After becoming the latest addition to the UFC’s heavyweight division, Johnson immediately announced his intention to exit the division that is ruled by Tom Aspinall.
The 26-year-old plans to drop a ton of weight to fight people his own size in MMA’s premier promotion.
“I’m open to anything from 170 all the way up to heavyweight,” Johnson said post-fight.
“I’m capable of getting down there [170lbs].
“Yeah, that’s really as big as they come. 6ft 6in, 226lbs.
“I’m ready for whatever, but as we go along, we will make smarter business moves.
“I haven’t weighed 170 since middle school, to be honest.
“I can make 185, for sure. 170, we’re gonna have to see.”
Dana White signs 5 Contender Series stars
Dana White signed five fighters at the end of last week’s Contender Series episode.
The UFC CEO awarded five contracts again, as just one fight got out of the first round on Tuesday evening.
- Donte Johnson
- Manoel Sosa
- Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev
- Marcio Barbosa
- Ryan Gandra
“I think you bring these kids in, and not every fight can be a barn burner,” White admitted.
“But most of the time they are, I say it all the time; this is your one shot to show us who you are, I don’t care what it says on your record or what you’ve done, tonight show us who you are.
“So tonight is an absolute perfect night, they did [seize the opportunity].”