Why a 34-Year-Old Fighter Is Flying Under the UFC Radar

Charles Johnson entered UFC Shanghai as a slight underdog against rising Flyweight prospect Lone’er Kavanagh. Despite his short UFC career, Kavanagh had already gained attention for his sharp striking and knockout ability, making him a dangerous opponent in the eyes of many. Johnson silenced the doubters and stunned the local fans, scoring a knockout victory that may go down as the most impressive win of his career so far. What makes Johnson intriguing is how quietly effective he’s been in the Flyweight Division.

While he doesn’t always generate the same buzz as other contenders, his skill set presents a difficult puzzle for many opponents. Johnson thrives in striking exchanges, where he uses his significant height and reach advantage to keep opponents at bay. He has already shown his knockout power with finishes over impressive fighters like Joshua Van, proving that he can deliver highlight-reel moments when the opportunity arises. On top of his offensive abilities, Johnson boasts a strong defensive foundation, with solid head movement and footwork that make him hard to hit cleanly.

Of course, no fighter is without weaknesses. Grapplers have found more success against Johnson, and while his takedown defense is improving, it remains an area to watch. That said, he has shown composure and resilience on the mat, often using his jiu-jitsu to escape compromising positions and work his way back to the feet. This versatility, combined with his physical tools, makes him one of the more underrated fighters in the division. With five wins in his last six UFC appearances, Johnson has built a resume that deserves more recognition.

Now is the time for him to test himself against ranked competition. A matchup against a veteran like Alex Perez could be the perfect next step. Perez’s balanced style and experience against elite Flyweights would challenge Johnson across all areas of the game, providing a clear benchmark for where he stands. If Johnson can continue to stack wins and refine his ground defense, it’s only a matter of time before he sheds the “underrated” label and forces his way into the top tier of the Flyweight Division. For now, he may be flying under the radar, but not for long.