UFC 202: Anthony Johnson ready for another title shot after 13-second KO

LAS VEGAS — Anthony “Rumble” Johnson cemented himself as the No. 1 contender for Daniel Cormier’s UFC light heavyweight title with an emphatic 13-second knockout of Glover Teixeira at UFC 202 in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

Teixeira was the latest in a long line of fighters to fall victim to the tremendous knockout power that Johnson possesses and left no doubt that he will get his rematch with Cormier, with or without Jon Jones around.

“I’m not worried about it at all,” Johnson said after scoring his third consecutive knockout since losing by submission to Cormier for the light heavyweight title last May.

After decimating Teixeira – who hasn’t been finished since his first professional fight back in 2002 – Johnson called out Cormier, who was present cageside. The two have a mutual respect for one another and have both been vocal about stepping into the cage again regardless of what happens with Jones.

Jones was pulled from UFC 200 last month after being flagged by USADA, however, he’s been optimistic about his return. It is not yet known what type of punishment will be handed down.

Regardless, Johnson has zero concerns that Jones will jump ahead of the line should his suspension end up being far shorter than expected.

“Daniel is beyond it, I’m beyond it,” Johnson said. “He wants to fight me and I want to fight him. As far as Jon is concerned, he just has to sit back and wait. We’re not focused on it. Until he’s back, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Johnson is eager to get a rematch with Cormier and mentioned it possibly taking place when the UFC heads to New York for the first time on Nov. 12. Aside from his loss to Cormier, Johnson is 6-1 with five knockouts since returning to the UFC as a light heavyweight in 2014. Cormier was close to being another knockout victim after “Rumble” clobbered him with a right hand in the opening minute. Cormier survived and eventually scored a third-round submission via rear naked choke.

“I’m just looking forward to it again,” Johnson said. “This is something that I’ve wanted for a long time. This is my second chance at a title. I want to dominate.”