One UFC fan favorite has had his hopes to compete at Madison Square Garden dashed for a unique reason.
The UFC will soon return to the prestigious venue for its annual November pay-per-view in New York City, where two championships will be on the line.
Before Islam Makhachev challenges Jack Della Maddalena in his pursuit of two-division supremacy in the main event, a women’s super fight between Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili will co-headline.
Plenty of bouts are still yet to be added to a November 15 lineup that looks set to be stacked, but one of the most vocal in staking their claim for a spot may miss out…
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Charles Johnson’s desired UFC 322 appearance is up in the air after failed matchup
Charles Johnson pleaded for a UFC 322 assignment in the comments section of a post on social media announcing the championship double header for MSG.
Fans were quick to rally behind the popular flyweight, who was just days on from his latest memorable triumph inside the cage. Johnson knocked out Lone’er Kavanagh at UFC Shanghai to further enhance his ‘prospect killer’ reputation and place himself in position for a big fight next time out.
The UFC evidently caught wind of Johnson’s request and the support behind it. ‘InnerG’ revealed during a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show that he was offered a fight against former title challenger Steve Erceg at UFC 322.
Unfortunately for the American, ‘AstroBoy’ turned down the offer — though his denial was not without good reason.
“I was just offered the dude who plays in the office (Erceg), and he didn’t accept ’cause he’s getting married,” Johnson said. “So that’s understandable.
“It was MSG, bro. So, we’ll see. Everyone else is booked or hurt, so I think I’m gonna miss out on that opportunity.
“Bro, I will literally fight anyone,” Johnson continued. “I will literally fight anyone. I don’t care who they put in there with me. It’s MSG, bro!
“It was done. We were just waiting on his end. The fight was gonna be made. And who says no to MSG? So I was like, ‘Yeah, I’m gonna fight Steve, cool.'”
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Charles Johnson had no money before latest UFC win
Whether at Madison Square Garden or another venue, Johnson will be looking to fit another fight in this year after his revelation post-fight in Shanghai.
Despite being among the UFC’s most active fighters and winning all four of his bouts last year, Johnson had to borrow money from his manager before his August outing in Shanghai.
“Charles Johnson’s bank account went into the red this week, his team tells me,” Helwani wrote on X.
“His manager Brian Butler lent him some money. Johnson has a baby arriving any day now.
“Got this big KO. Got a bonus, too. First win of 2025. Congrats @innerGmma_ufc,” he added.
That news drew significant backlash against the UFC, with many questioning how one of the promotion’s most frequent competitors could end up in such a situation. It also brought back criticism of the organization’s low revenue-sharing with the roster back to the surface.