With Victory Over Mike Kyle at WSOF 8, Anthony Johnson to Earn Title Shot

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Anthony Johnson will receive a shot at the inaugural World Series of Fighting light heavyweight title, should “Rumble” best Mike Kyle next Saturday at WSOF 8.

WSOF President Ray Sefo revealed the organization’s plan during a conference call to promote the Jan. 18 event, which takes place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla., and airs live on NBC Sports.

The title shot is also contingent upon the UFC veteran re-signing with the Las Vegas-based organization, as Johnson will fulfill his current contract in his next bout. “Rumble” was initially expected to meet the Strikeforce veteran this past September, but an injury forced Johnson to withdraw. After the bout was then rebooked for December’s WSOF 7, it was Kyle who pulled out of the contest due to a broken toe.

Johnson, 29, has gone 5-0 since departing the UFC nearly two years ago. A longtime welterweight, the Blackzilians rep moved up in weight following his Octagon exit, knocking out light heavyweight D.J. Linderman in his WSOF debut and then taking a unanimous decision from former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski last March at WSOF 2.