Dana White says he would have enjoyed Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson to have stayed in the UFC but, for some reason, the light heavyweight contender has moved to Bellator. What that reason is? White won’t say.

Earlier this week, Johnson’s move to Bellator MMA was announced with confusion, as it appeared the hard-hitting American had been a victim to the UFC’s much-discussed upcoming roster cuts. Instead, however, it seems UFC president Dana White would actually have preferred Johnson to remain in his promotion.

“First of all I have a good relationship with Anthony Johnson,” White said, speaking to TSN. “I like him very much. He was under contract with us. I would have loved to see him and compete here. I don’t know. Use your imagination. … I have a great relationship with him, I love the kid. Because it was probably in his best interest. Ask him. That’s his business, if he wants to talk about it, it’s his business, not mine.”

Johnson last competed in 2017 in a losing effort against then 205-pound champion Daniel Cormier.

Dana White on the release of Anthony Johnson: "He was under contract with us, I would have loved to see him compete here. I don't know. Use your imagination."

White discusses roster cuts and how much he cares about what other promotions are doing. pic.twitter.com/GrBhv9lF0S

— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) December 10, 2020

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