Charles Johnson is coming into UFC Struggle Night time 253 with a chip on his shoulder.
Johnson (17-6 MMA, 6-4 UFC) takes on streaking flyweight Ramazan Temirov (18-2-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) in Saturday’s prelim opener (ESPN+) on the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Contemplating that Johnson is a ranked UFC flyweight who’s on a four-fight profitable streak, he was anticipating to attract a much bigger struggle.
“I don’t have something in opposition to it, however I take a look at the alternatives different guys get once they come into the promotion from RIZIN, from Everlasting, however what are these promotions in comparison with LFA, that has had tons of of not solely ranked guys, however a plethora of champions?” Johnson mentioned in an interview with UFC.com. “I’m a three-time champion from that promotion.
“Why am I not getting a chance after I’m on a three-fight profitable streak, four-fight profitable streak? Give me an opportunity. So that is the place we’re. I’m by no means get upset at them or their alternatives, nevertheless it’s like, ‘When is it going to be my flip? When am I going to get the alternatives these guys are getting?’ I’m on a four-fight profitable streak in a single 12 months, who else has performed that, on this division?”
Johnson had a rocky begin to his UFC profession. The 34-year-old drew undefeated phenom Muhammad Mokaev in his octagon debut in July 2022, and went 2-4 in his first six fights. However an ideal 4-0 in a busy 2024 allowed Johnson to show his profession round, as he takes inspiration from a number of former champions who’ve been capable of do the identical.
“Charles Oliveira’s profession, Max Holloway’s profession – that they had early losses earlier than they rattled off seven, eight, 9 wins to change into world champions,” Johnson mentioned.
“For me, it’s one other alternative to show my value, one other alternative to proceed to point out myself. I’m simply trying to dominate, getting again to how I used to be in LFA, shifting round, speaking my sh*t. It’s going to be a tricky struggle, however they’re all robust. I’m enthusiastic about this one.”
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