Johnson has spoken about making a comeback, but UFC President Dana White says the former fighter has disappeared since thinking about the MMA return.
?There was talk about it for a minute and then it all stopped and he sort of disappeared again,? White said after UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Volkov (via Tristen Critchfield of Sherdog).
Rumble did compete in a grappling match after retiring from professional MMA competition, but has pretty much stayed away from combat sports competition altogether.
White also says that there is nothing wrong if Johnson winds up staying retired, as the UFC President says fighting is a young persons game.
?It is good. Because if you don?t want to fight and if you walked away the first time, what are you coming back for?? White said. ?If it?s just a payday, he?s a smart kid. He can go do a lot of other things. This is a young man?s game. These up and coming kids are savages. Look at this [Josh] Emmett-[Shane] Burgos fight. Both of those guys are looking for the credit and respect they feel they deserve. Those are the type of dudes you?re gonna fight. This is a young man?s game. There?s nothing wrong with being retired. This isn?t a job. This is an opportunity. You have a very short window of time to do this, like any other professional sport. There?s nothing wrong with a person who?s ready to be retired.?
The still retired fighter went 22-6-0 as a professional MMA competitor, but he failed to capture the UFC Light Heavyweight Title on two occasions.