UFC veteran and former 170lb’er Anthony Johnson learns from those in the know ahead of his World Series of Fighting heavyweight debut in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Famed trainer Mario Sperry coaches UFC light heavyweight Thiago Silva and multi-weight World Series of Fighting competitor Anthony Johnson in the intricacies of using and defending chokes from back control.

We caught Johnson at the growing Blackzilians facility, home to other talent such as the UFC’s Vitor Belfort and Rashad Evans, in the early stages of his preparations for a heavyweight bout with former UFC champion Andrei Arlovski this month.

Despite being a welterweight during his UFC tenure, Johnson, who struggled with cutting the weight required to make 170lb, has few concerns about fighting at least 35lb above his original division’s limit. Thanks in no small part to the expertise and guidance of Pride FC veteran Sperry, a former 205lb and heavyweight fighter himself. With fearless guidance like that it’s no wonder Mario and his team of coaches are growing killers down there in the Florida sunshine.