Anthony Johnson Cleared to Return to UFC, Could Fight in Early 2015

Anthony Johnson, a streaking light heavyweight who had been indefinitely suspended after domestic abuse allegations, has been cleared to continue his career in the UFC after a civil case against him was apparently dismissed.

The news came Thursday evening from UFC president Dana White via his Twitter and Instagram accounts.

"

Civil Case against Anthony Johnson is dismissed- Cleared to Resume Competition. For full story go to… http://t.co/GnbTfha6pW

— Dana White (@danawhite) November 6, 2014"

A statement posted on UFC.com stated that "the person who filed a civil temporary protection order against UFC contender Anthony Johnson last September voluntarily dismissed their complaint last week in the Florida Circuit Court." 

Johnson had appeared in court multiple times because the mother of his children was seeking an order of protection against him. In September, Brent Brookhouse of Bloody Elbow broke the news that the woman, who has not been named, filed a police report accusing Johnson of abusing her on several occasions.

In 2009, Johnson pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge involving a confrontation with a different woman. He served three years of probation and performed community service following that conviction.

In the wake of the September Bloody Elbow report, the UFC suspended Johnson indefinitely, noting they were using a "third-party law firm to conduct a formal investigation" into the allegations.

That investigation, according to the UFC statement released Thursday, "brings closure to this matter for Johnson and allows him to return to competition in the UFC."

A popular light heavyweight with an eight-fight win streak and a penchant for knockouts, Johnson (18-4) may return to active competition sooner rather than later. The Thursday statement said the UFC was already "exploring options for Johnson’s next fight to take place early next year." 

Before his suspension, there was talk of a big fight between Johnson and top contender Alexander Gustafsson. Within minutes of the UFC announcing Johnson's return, that speculation resumed.

"

Anthony Johnson has been cleared and will be returning to the UFC. I'd bet money he'll be fighting Alexander Gustafsson ASAP #UFC

— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) November 6, 2014"