Charles Anthony Johnson Bio
Charles Anthony Johnson, born January 10, 1991, is an American mixed martial artist and former boxer competing in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is a former Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) flyweight champion and as of November 25, 2025, ranks #13 in the UFC flyweight rankings.
Early Life and Background
Johnson was born in Topeka, Kansas, and relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of four. During high school, he distinguished himself as a versatile athlete, representing his state in wrestling, cross country, long distance running, and sprinting. He also competed in state championships in American football, showcasing a broad athletic skill set early on.
Path to MMA
Johnson transitioned from a background in boxing and multiple sports to professional mixed martial arts, beginning his career in 2016. His early development included competing in various promotions, where he honed his skills and gained experience that paved the way for his rise in the sport. His dedication and versatility helped him move up to national-level competition and eventually to the UFC.
Charles Anthony Johnson Career
Early Career (2016–2021)
Johnson started his professional MMA career in 2016, fighting primarily in Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA). He quickly made a name for himself, capturing the LFA flyweight interim championship on July 2, 2021, by defeating Yuma Horiuchi via split decision after five rounds. He then successfully defended the interim title against Juan Camilo with a second-round TKO and was recognized as the regular LFA flyweight champion after the previous champion moved to the UFC.
Earlier in 2021, Johnson defended the LFA flyweight title for the first time by defeating Carlos Mota with a fifth-round TKO. These victories solidified his reputation as a top contender in the flyweight division and earned him a contract with the UFC.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Era (2022–Present)
Johnson made his UFC debut on July 23, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 212 against Muhammad Mokaev, where he lost by unanimous decision. He rebounded with a split decision win over Zhalgas Zhumagulov at UFC Fight Night 215, though most media scored the fight for his opponent. Johnson then secured a first-round technical knockout victory against Jimmy Flick in January 2023.
Throughout 2023 and into 2024, Johnson faced a series of challenging opponents, including losses to Ode’ Osbourne, Cody Durden, Rafael Estevam, and Ramazon Temirov. However, he also achieved notable wins, such as unanimous decision victories over Azat Maksum, Jake Hadley, and Su Mudaerji. His knockout win over Joshua Van in July 2024 earned him his first Performance of the Night award, and a knockout victory against Lone’er Kavanagh in August 2025 secured another Performance of the Night bonus.
Driving Style and Strengths
Johnson competes primarily in the flyweight division with a reach of 178 cm and a height of 175 cm. He holds a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is known for his balanced approach combining striking power and submission skills. His ability to finish fights by knockout and submission reflects his versatility, while his conditioning and fight IQ contribute to his success in longer bouts.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Johnson’s career highlights are his LFA flyweight championship reign and multiple successful title defenses. In the UFC, he has earned Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night honors, underscoring his exciting fighting style and ability to deliver memorable performances on big stages.
Charles Anthony Johnson Career Wins
Charles Johnson has amassed a professional MMA record of 18 wins and 7 losses. His victories include 8 knockouts, 3 submissions, and 7 decisions, demonstrating his well-rounded skill set across different fight scenarios.
Legacy Fighting Alliance Highlights
Johnson captured the LFA flyweight interim championship in 2021 and was later recognized as the regular champion after defending the title multiple times. His tenure in LFA was marked by decisive wins, including a second-round TKO over Juan Camilo and a fifth-round TKO against Carlos Mota, establishing him as a dominant force in the division before transitioning to the UFC.
Other Wins & Performances
In the UFC, Johnson has secured several notable victories, including technical knockouts and unanimous decisions against high-level competition. His performances have earned him multiple post-fight bonuses, reflecting his impact and entertainment value in the sport.
Charles Anthony Johnson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Johnson’s family background and lineage are not publicly documented.
Personal Life
Johnson resides in St. Louis, Missouri. Public information about his marital status or children is not available.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Charles Johnson continued to compete actively in the UFC flyweight division. He earned a knockout victory over Lone’er Kavanagh in August, which garnered him a Performance of the Night award. Despite a loss to Ramazon Temirov earlier in the year, Johnson maintained a competitive presence in the division, demonstrating resilience and skill. His ongoing tenure with Murcielago MMA and consistent performances position him as a notable contender in the flyweight rankings heading into the future.