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This Friday in Cedar Park, Texas, heavyweight Tony Johnson (10-2) fights Cheick Kongo (24-10-2) in the main event on Bellator 161, the biggest fight of his career.? But due to a recent unforeseen personal tragedy, Johnsons focus is much wider than the battle inside the cage.On Aug. 30, while cooking dinner for his kids, Johnson received a phone call that no one ever wants to get. His father called to let him know that his brother, William, committed suicide earlier that day. William was 27.That week was the worst week of my life. This hurt bad. It hurt. So theres nothing that Cheick Kongo can do to me that has to make me feel that hurt that I felt, Johnson told ESPN.com.Johnson describes his brother, who also fought in MMA, as tough as nails. In 2014, the two even fought on the same local card in Nashville, where both were victorious. William was able to stay at Tonys house, and the brothers enjoyed their time together, which was tough to come by due to conflicting schedules.He was always laughing, and no one ever knew he was depressed. We wish he would have come and talked to somebody, but unfortunately it didnt happen that way, said Johnson.After spending Labor Day weekend with his family in Cincinnati to bury his brother, Johnson returned to Nashville to resume training for Fridays bout with Kongo. Johnson said the Tuesday workout was harder to get through mentally than he originally thought but credits his training staff for keeping a positive mindset and pushing him to get through.Johnsons parents spent time with him in Tennessee last week to get away from things in Ohio. For Hulk, pulling out of the Kongo fight (Spike TV/ESPN Deportes, 9 p.m. ET) was never an option. He says that Bellator offered their condolences and said theyd back him 100 percent with no repercussions if he chose to back out. Johnson said that was never an option and he has the support of his parents and family to fight on. He added that his brother wouldnt have wanted him to miss out on this opportunity.I dont know when I will get that opportunity again, so I had to seize the moment, no matter what life puts in front of you. I knew my little brother wouldnt want that. He would want me to fight. There was not one moment that I said I was not going to take this fight, Johnson said.The skill matchup appears to be the classic striker versus grappler, but the size is an interesting one. The 41-year-old Kongo, a UFC vet, is far more experienced, taller and has a seven-inch reach advantage. However, Johnson, a former fullback and wrestler at Iowa State, will be the heavier fighter.I know he has a long reach, so Ive got to be crafty going in. Thats going to be an obstacle Ill have to get over, Johnson said. Cardio is going to be a factor, too. Ive seen some of his fights, and he does get winded very easily.Johnson said this is the first time that he hasnt had to cut down to the heavyweight limit of 265 pounds. He described his training camp as the best he ever had before his brothers suicide. He focused on upping his conditioning to push the pace on Kongo. The All-American wrestler also worked on his core to help combat the elbows and knees that Kongo has been known to use. Even after resuming training, Johnson said that he was able to regain his form after grieving.I think Ive closed that chapter with my brother. I went there and Ive had my peace. Ive moved on. I know my brother is in a better place now, Johnson said.The 30-year-old will honor his younger brother by changing up the song he walks out to. Originally slated to be DMX, he changed it up to Eminems Kings Never Die featuring Gwen Stefani. William used to create video montages for his brother, and that song was featured in the last one he made.With the promotion stripping champion Vitaly Minakov of his title back in May due to inactivity, the winner of this match puts himself near the front of the line for who is to fight for that vacant title. Another top contender is Matt Mitrione, who has been victorious in both his fights from the promotion since signing after a 14-fight stint with the UFC. Wes Martin Womens Jersey . -- The Bishops Gaiters are showing they belong among the countrys top varsity football teams. Landon Collins Jersey . He says so-called TRT is only one problem and he wants to go even further than the ban. "Its about time," St-Pierre told reporters at a promotional event in Montreal on Friday. "I think its a good thing. http://www.redskinsrookiestore.com/Redskins-Sean-Taylor-Jersey/ . Still, Brewers manager Ron Roenicke thought taking him out before the fifth inning was an unusual move. "Im looking up at the board and hes got two hits given up and one run, and Im taking him out after the fourth inning," Roenicke said. Russ Grimm Youth Jersey . Kiriasis and brakeman Franziska Fritz finished two runs in one minute 55.41 seconds -- a mere 0.01 seconds ahead of Meyers and Lolo Jones, who likely bolstered her Olympic hopes by helping give USA-1 a huge push in the second heat. Alex Smith Womens Jersey . -- The Magic have their first victory of the new year. Some of the sports stories The Associated Press is covering Saturday. A full Sports Digest will be sent by about 3 p.m. All times EST:- MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota football team will play in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 27, ending a threat to boycott the game because of the suspension of 10 players accused of sexual assault.- EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- With Matt Moore filling in for injured Ryan Tannehill, the Miami Dolphins (8-5) look to stay in the playoff race when they face the New York Jets (4-9). Game starts 8:25 p.m.- The prospect of the Tennessee Titans winning the AFC South is much alive after their victory over Denver. They can make a further case for themselves by beating Kansas City on Sunday.- Six football bowls: Celebration (N.C. Central vs. Grambling, noon); New Mexico (Texas-San Antonio vs. New Mexico, 2 p.m.); Las Vegas (San Diego St. vs. Houston, 3:30 p.m.); Camellia (Toledo vs. Appalachian St., 5:30 p.m.); Cure (UCF vs. Arkansas St., 5:30 p.m.); New Orleans (Southern Mississippi vs. Louisiana-Lafayette, 9 p.m.).- Some notable college basketball games: No. 2 UCLA vs. Ohio State (3 p.m.); No. 6 Kentucky vs. No. 7 North Carolinna (5:45 p.ddddddddddddm.); No. 9 Indiana vs. No. 18 Butler (5 p.m.); No. 15 Purdue vs. No. 21 Notre Dame (2 p.m.).- OAKLAND, Calif. -- The Golden State Warriors, with the NBAs best record at 23-4, play the Portland Trail Blazers in a rematch of last seasons Western Conference semifinals. Game starts 10:30 p.m.- VAL GARDENA, Italy -- Max Franz captures a World Cup downhill for his first career victory, ending Austrias 13-race drought in skiings signature event. Steven Nyman of the U.S. is third.- VAL DISERE, France -- Ilka Stuhec of Slovenia wins a World Cup downhill, her fourth victory in a remarkable season. Overall champion Lara Gut does not finish for the second straight race.- MOSCOW -- Russian heavyweight Alexander Povetkin has failed a doping test and will not be allowed to fight for the WBC title Saturday against Bermane Stiverne.- LONDON -- Premier League leader Chelsea wins its 11th straight game with a 1-0 victory over struggling Crystal Palace. Chelsea is nine points ahead of Liverpool and Arsenal. ' ' '