Anthony Johnson Ready to Return to UFC

Anthony Johnson has more right to feel wronged than most.

A controversial series of incidents in his July welterweight battle with Kevin Burns at UFC: Ultimate Fight Night 14 - where Johnson was repeatedly poked in the eye - led to a serious eye injury, a much disputed ending to the fight, and a loss to boot.

Johnson joined Tuesday’s edition of TAGG Radio (www.taggradio.com), the official radio partner of MMAjunkie.com, to discuss his feelings on his highly contentious TKO loss to Burns, his recovery from surgery for a detached retina caused by the questionable blows, and his future in the stacked UFC welterweight division.

"When they said (Burns was awarded a) TKO, I was pissed," Johnson admitted. "But I had to stay calm because my mom was watching. I know things happen for a reason, and I am calm about the situation now."

Johnson said he feels no animosity towards the bout's referee, Steve Mazzagatti. But the Los Angeles resident still contends some form of action should have been taken against Burns.

"I think [Burns] should have been disqualified or at least had a point or two deducted," Johnson said. "I have no problem with Steve. He is a cool guy. He apologized, and that is fine with me."

Johnson's manager lodged a formal appeal with the Nevada State Athletic Commission looking to overturn the outcome of the fight. Johnson refuses to let himself become involved with the matter.

"My manager, Ken (Pavia), deals with that," Johnson said. "They can keep the loss on my record if they want to because I know I will come back better and stronger next time."

The severity of the injury Johnson suffered could have resulted in the end of his career.

"I had laser surgery to get my retina reattached," Johnson said. "And I have stitches in my eye ball as the laceration was from one side of my eye to the other."

Johnson has made an explosive impact in his still-young UFC career, and he has displayed loads of potential. "Rumble" said he will be medically cleared to fight very soon, and he hopes to return to action as quickly as possible.

"I am cleared to fight in September, but it looks like October is when I will fight next," Johnson said. "I am ready to fight anybody and ready to get back on track."

Source: mmajunkie.com