‘InnerG’ was on the cusp of equalling a UFC record after producing the best year of his career to date.
With the likes of Muhammad Mokaev departing the promotion whilst several contenders hold their top spots, the UFC’s flyweight division is in need of fresh challengers.
UFC Vegas 103 on March 1 could see a new name join the title picture as Manel Kape takes on the surging Asu Almabayev in the main event.
However, lower down on the card is another rising name at 125-pounds who demanded recognition in 2024 by winning four fights in a row.
Charles Johnson was just one fight away from tying the shared record held by Kevin Holland, Neil Magny and Roger Huerta for the most wins inside the Octagon in a single calendar year.
- READ MORE: Who is Asu Almabayev?
Charles Johnson redefined his UFC career with four wins in 2024
Arriving in the UFC as a former LFA flyweight champion, Charles Johnson’s first outing inside the Octagon was a tough introduction as he suffered a decision loss to Muhammad Mokaev in London.
He then bounced back with wins over Zhalgas Zhumagulov and Jimmy Flick but his hard work was undone after suffering three consecutive losses, going 1-3 in 2023.
‘InnerG’ remained consistently active the following year but was able to completely turn his fortunes around by winning four consecutive fights and pocketing two bonuses along the way.
With his back firmly against the wall, Johnson dug deep to beat Azat Maksum in February, earning the fight of the night award after stepping in as a replacement opponent.
He followed that up in May by beating Jake Hadley via a unanimous decision at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
In a great contest with another exciting rising flyweight in Joshua Van, Johnson secured his first performance of the night bonus after landing a huge uppercut to close the show in the third round.
His final win of the year came in another great firefight against Sumudaerji which he came out on top in via a unanimous decision of 29-28.
In his post-fight interview to cap off the year, Johnson made his intentions clear by referencing the UFC 310 main event between Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Asakura for the flyweight title.
“Look man, I’m the most active mixed martial artist in the world. In the last three years, when I defended my LFA title twice back-to-back to now, I fought 14 times, alright. This is my 10th fight in two years. UFC, I’m a five-round fighter, I’m the best in the f—— world. These dudes don’t want to fight for a title, you got to bring somebody all the way from Japan, these dudes can’t market themselves, what’s up baby.”
Charles Johnson looks for his fifth consecutive win on March 1
Charles Johnson may not have tied the record for the most UFC wins in a calendar year but he’s looking to keep his momentum going by returning within the first quarter of 2025.
‘InnerG’ didn’t receive his request for a main event spot against a big name but with the #12-ranking above him, the 34-year-old is in-form right now.
On March 1 at UFC Vegas 103, he faces the 18-2 Uzbekistani fighter Ramazan Temirov who announced his arrival in the promotion with a first-round knockout over CJ Vergara last October.
Temirov is currently riding a 10-fight win streak so both of these men come into this fight, which is currently the first bout of the night, having become used to getting their hands raised.