The following quotes and videos are from tonight’s UFC POSTFIGHT SHOW on FOX SPORTS 2. The show was hosted by Jon Anik, with Daniel Cormier and Brian Stann providing analysis. Ariel Helwani and Gareth A Davies conducted interviews on-site.
UFC ON FOX analyst Brian Stann on Anthony Johnson beating Alexander Gustafsson:“Johnson is so intimidating. He strutted to the Octagon. He looked like he knew something we all didn’t know. We all thought Gustafsson had the kryptonite for him with his movement, but Johnson used the power. We said he had to cut off Gustafsson and he was able to back him up with the overhand right. This fight could have been stopped sooner. This was a huge win. Now, Jones versus Johnson is the most anticipated fight of the year.”
UFC ON FOX analyst Daniel Cormier on Johnson winning the fight: “This is why we flipped back and forth with our picks all week. We just didn’t know what was going to happen. Johnson successfully cut off the cage and got to Gustafsson. Johnson goes out there and delivers. Anthony Johnson is the man! What a performance. If he gets his hands on people, he puts them out.”
Anthony Johnson on what set up the TKO: “We always train for that kick. He hit me with a few punches and once he threw a kick, I knew he was in my range.”
Johnson on how he’ll beat Jon Jones: “The same way I took Gus out, I’ll knock him out. I’m going to do my best to take his head off.”
Johnson’s message to Jones: “Jon, keep your hands up, because if you don’t, it’s lights out.”
Johnson on having nerves before the fight: “I knew I had a job to do. My goal is to win the title one day, so I knew I had to get through Gus. I had to make it ugly for him so people wouldn’t doubt me. Now, I’m going against the champ and they’re going to doubt me, so I have to prove them wrong, too.”
Gustafsson on how he feels after losing the fight: “It doesn’t feel good at all. It’s very tough. He put a lot of pressure on me, but I thought I had everything under control. He threw a good counter and he caught me.”
Gustafsson on if Johnson did anything surprising and if the ref called the fight at the right time: “Johnson caught me. I wasn’t there. I felt like I was in deep water.”
Gustafsson on what’s next: “I’ll take a few days off to recover and then get back in the gym and learn from my mistakes.”
Cormier on Gegard Mousasi defeating Dan Henderson: “Gegard did a good job judging the distance. He was popping the jab and hitting him. There’s a habit with Henderson, he drops his hand before he throws and Gegard hits him right when he does. It landed clean and he has power to put him down.”
Mousasi on what was different in this fight: “I was in very good shape coming in. I came to fight and it shows. I wanted to bang with Henderson and once I landed the shot, I waited for a second because I thought he was out, but it wasn’t stopped and I landed two more punches, then it was stopped.”
Mousasi on what he’s changed since his last loss: “I took the time off and the rest was good. After my last fight, I needed to prove myself.”
Mousasi on beating Henderson: “Everyone knows Dan isn’t in his prime anymore, but he’s always dangerous. For me I just have to do my job. I’m back in the line for the title shot, but there are so many guys ahead of me. Luke, Machida, Jacare – it’s one of the toughest divisions in the UFC.”