Lavar Johnson, Strikeforce Heavyweight, Hospitalized After Shooting

By Ariel Helwani - Video Reporter and Writer

Follow @MMAFighting on Twitter, and Like MMA Fighting on Facebook.

Strikeforce heavyweight fighter Lavar Johnson (right, standing) is being treated at a local Bakersfield, Calif., hospital after being shot multiple times late Saturday night. Strikeforce director of communications Mike Afromowitz confirmed with FanHouse that Johnson was injured in the shooting, but had no further information regarding his current state. The Bakersfield Police Department would not update Johnson's condition when contacted Sunday night.

According to The Bakersfield Californian, the incident occurred at a family reunion/Independance Day celebration at a residence in Bakersfield. When police arrived on the scene, five victims were found with gunshot wounds. Four were taken to a local area hospital with "minor to moderate" injuries, while the fifth, Anthony Mack Johnson, 37, was pronounced dead on the scene. The newspaper is reporting that Lavar Johnson "sustained a serious gunshot wound to his abdomen."


Johnson (12-3) made his Strikeforce debut in May at the first Strikeforce: Challengers event, defeating Carl Seumanutafa in 18 seconds via knockout. The victory marked his fifth in a row. It is unknown at this time whether his injuries are life or career-threatening. FanHouse will have more on this story as it develops.

Read More: lavarjohnson, front page, Lavar Johnson (MMA)

Follow @MMAFighting on Twitter, and Like MMA Fighting on Facebook.

Tweet 0 comments