Charles Johnson is ready for another go in the UFC.
The UFC flyweight has some momentum after handing the 17-0 Azat Maksum his first loss at UFC Vegas 85 a few weeks ago. Johnson isn’t wasting any time following the victory, booking another fight vs. Jake Hadley on May 11.
Tired of fighting at the UFC Apex six times in a row, ‘InnerG’ says he’ll be seeing better scenery in his return.
“Super excited, we get to fight in front of the fans,” Johnson told MMA Sucka. “That’s gonna be great. It’s gonna be an arena, Finally get to fight in front of the fans. So that’s gonna be exciting, not only the competition as far as Jake being a great fighter, but myself being able to fight in front of my family and friends again is gonna be great.”
Johnson didn’t reveal the location for the upcoming fight, but he did say he inked a new contract with the UFC and is more than excited to show his potential in the promotion.
“I had this great discussion and sit down with Hunter Campbell, we had a great talk,” Johnson continued. “I manifested a few things, and we got everything that we asked for in that conversation. I’m very blessed and thankful right now for everything that’s happening in life, and I’m on a mission to get ranked and get a chance to get to those 5 rounds again.
“I know I’m the best 5 round fighter in the world when it comes to this sport. I just gotta get back there and then show everyone what I can do.”
The former LFA Champion will square off with former Cage Warriors and EFC champ Jake Hadley. The two flyweights both made their debuts in 2021 and they’ll finally cross paths this May.
Johnson says Hadley wasn’t really in his crosshairs, but welcomes the challenge against the Brit.
“I’ve always seen him over there. I always knew he was tough, uh, but he was never like on my radar,” Johnson said of Hadley. “I’m just like, I’m just ready to go, whoever. I was always looking at who was the champ and who was in the top 10 and top 15 and trying to work my way up the ladder, and we’ve had a similar opponent in Cody Durden.
“For the fight with me and Jake, it’s just gonna be a very exciting one just because the style of the matchup and what kind of fight that we bring. If you look at the history of our fights and our championship pedigree, it’s gonna be a great fight for the fans.
Once again, could be another fight of the night, performance of the night for sure.”
“I’m just king of the monsters,” Johnson went on. “‘InnerG’ Godzilla, baby. Godzilla versus White Kong. Let’s go, baby. This gonna be a motherf***ing showdown, and everybody just be ready. It’s gonna be a great fight.”
G zilla
— Charles "InnerG" Johnson (@InnerGmma) February 10, 2024
KING OF THE MONSTERS
This gonna be fun 😁
Yal know how this play out #innerGtv #message #kingofthemonsters 👊🏾🏆❤️🔥 https://t.co/hmbq0QLY8D pic.twitter.com/YBg5zfs2cb
As for the fight itself, Johnson is more focused on what he’s going to do rather than his opponent.
“I think his transitional grappling is great. I think his catch wrestling and his jiu jitsu is great. He’s a lifelong martial artist, but I’m in this mindspace, in this time in my life where I don’t really give a f*ck what they bring into the table. I prepare for everything. Now it’s about what am I gonna do. So, I’m prepared for everything, and I know that. It’s about being offensive.”
Charles Johnson is ready to put together quite the run in the UFC, planning on making it two wins in a row against Jake Hadley. The 33 year-old admits it will probably take him a few more wins to earn a spot in the top 10 flyweight rankings. The mission doesn’t change for Johnson, though. He wants to be the best in the world.
“I think I’ll still have to fight someone within the top 15, and I have my mind on Sumudaerji which I have for a while. Have my mind on David Dvorak, who’s lost 3 in a row. I think those would be great fights for me, if they’re available. If not, anyone anyone in the top 15 who I haven’t fought already, I’ll fight.
“I just I feel like I match up really well against anyone on any given day. It’s just about making this run. It’s just about putting together 4 to 5 fights, get some finishes, be confident, and be charismatic as I am because I know I have a lot to offer this promotion.”
Watch our full interview with Charles Johnson below.
