The UFC indefinitely suspended light heavyweight Anthony Johnson on September 19th after BloodyElbow.com reported that the mother of Johnson’s children has gotten a restraining order against him.
On Thursday, the UFC released a statement that Johnson has been taken off suspension with the civil temporary protection order against Johnson was dismissed this week by a Florida Circuit Court.
“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,” the UFC statement said. “Before granting a dismissal of the case, the presiding judge independently questioned the alleging party regarding their voluntary intentions, and thereafter the judge dismissed the entire matter.
“The dismissal of the case, along with an independent investigation that was commissioned by the UFC organization, brings closure to this matter for Johnson and allows him to return to competition in the UFC. As a result, UFC officials are exploring options for Johnson’s next fight to take place early next year.”
“The UFC organization will not tolerate domestic violence, sexual assault or any other violation of its Code of Conduct. The organization is committed to thoroughly investigating all allegations and taking the appropriate action when warranted.”
With Johnson coming off suspension, it would seem likely that he will be booked to face former title challenger Alexander Gustafsson at a UFC card in the first quarter of 2015.