Anthony Johnson sets sights on Daniel Cormier after 13-second win
— -- LAS VEGAS -- Anthony Johnson dropped a right-hand bomb on Glover Teixeira just seconds into their light heavyweight fight in UFC 202 at T-Mobile Arena.
And that was pretty much that.
Johnson (22-5) moved to 6-1 in the UFC's light heavyweight division, as he knocked out Teixeira with a right uppercut just 13 seconds in. Teixeira (25-5), who had not been knocked out since his professional debut in 2002, went out cold from the shot. It ties the fastest knockout win of Johnson's career.
"We don't need all that talk," said Johnson, referencing the prefight drama between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz. "We just come out and do the damn thing."
The win likely sets a championship rematch between Johnson and Daniel Cormier. The two fought for the title in May 2015. Cormier won via third-round submission.
During his immediate postfight interview, monitors in the arena showed Cormier seated in the crowd. Fans in the arena started to boo the champion, but Johnson told them to give him respect. He did add, however, "Daniel, I'm coming for you."
Johnson, who fights out of Blackzilians in Boca Raton, Florida, used to fight in the UFC's 170-pound division. The UFC actually cut him in 2012 after he consistently had issues making weight. He re-signed with the promotion as a 205-pound fighter in 2014. His only loss since is to Cormier.
Cerrone KOs Story
Welterweight Donald Cerrone (31-7) knocked out Rick Story (19-9) at 2:02 of the second round, improving to 3-0 since moving up a weight class this year. The 33-year-old said he'd gladly go back down to lightweight in his next fight, however, if it comes against current champion Eddie Alvarez -- whom he has defeated previously. The finish over Story was a beautiful sequence, as Cerrone landed a right head kick flush after landing a left hand to the body. Story swung around from the kick and fell to the floor moments later, prompting a stop by referee Herb Dean. It is the first time Story has ever been finished by strikes.
Perry makes quick work of Lim
Welterweight Mike Perry (7-0) wiped the canvas with Hyun Gyu Lim (13-6-1), knocking him down three times in the first round before referee John McCarthy stepped in at the 3:38 mark. A UFC newcomer, Perry blasted Lim with a right hand early. Lim managed to stand back up and even went forward at Perry aggressively. He was dropped moments later by another right hand and then again later in the round by a left. Perry, 24, has won all seven of his pro fights by knockout.
Means means business in win over Homasi
Welterweight Tim Means (26-7-1) brutalized Sabah Homasi (11-6) with elbows and punches en route to a second-round TKO victory. The finish came at the 2:56 mark. Homasi never fell to the ground, but referee Dean opted to step in as he was a sitting duck along the fence. Means, out of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was supposed to fight Cerrone in February but was pulled after he tested positive for a banned substance. Means maintained the banned substance was the result of a tainted legal supplement. The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) confirmed Means took a tainted supplement and reduced his suspension. He is 6-2 in his last eight.
Garbrandt continues first-round streak
Undefeated bantamweight Cody Garbrandt (10-0) posted his third consecutive first-round knockout as he finished veteran Takeya Mizugaki (21-10-2) via TKO in just 48 seconds. Fighting out of Team Alpha Male in Sacramento, California, Garbrandt dropped Mizugaki to his knees with a right hand to the temple. As Mizugaki stood back up, Garbrandt tagged him again with a shot that sent him flailing backward. Referee McCarthy stepped in, handing Garbrandt his ninth career knockout. Garbrandt called for a title fight against Dominick Cruz next.
