With the UFC in roster-trimming mode, heavyweight Lavar Johnson likely was on shaky ground following a lackluster decision loss to Brendan Schaub this past weekend at UFC 157.
For now, though, it appears Johnson has gotten a reprieve.
"Thank God, I still have a job with the ufc!" he tweeted overnight.
The UFC doesn't usually release a list of cuts, but for now, the Strikeforce vet remains on UFC.com's active roster.
Johnson (17-7 MMA, 2-2 UFC), who's posted knockouts in 15 of his 17 career wins, made a quick impression in the UFC following his move over from Strikeforce. He scored "Knockout of the Night" awards in his first two UFC fights after stopping Joey Beltran and Pat Barry in the first round.
However, a submission loss to fast-rising contender Stefan Struve followed, and then came the Feb. 23 loss to Schaub (9-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC), who told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) unapologetic for using a safe game plan in the FX-televised prelim. After all, the wrestling-oriented win likely saved Schaub's own job.
Roster cuts have become a hot topic since 16 fighters, including former title challenger Jon Fitch, were axed on Feb. 20. The organization ultimately plans to trim its roster by 100 spots overall.
For now, Johnson apparently won't be one of them.
Source: MMAJunkie.com