Charles Johnson wants to be one of the best players in the world.
Now on a three-fight winning streak, Johnson (16-6 MMA, 5-4 UFC) is hoping he's done well enough to earn a spot in the UFC's official flyweight rankings, opening the door for bigger fights.
“Hopefully, I can get ranked,” Johnson told reporters (FanSided MMA) after his win at UFC on ESPN 59. “This is my third straight win. No. 14 and No. 15 (in the rankings) are three fights in three years with this promotion, it's not like I've done nothing.
“…Let's bring in players like me who have worked hard and fought with the guys. For example, (Alan) Nascimento versus (Jafer Filho). They are fighting. I think one of them will get a place. I think the players are working hard to get promoted.”
Johnson knocked out rising star Joshua Vann at UFC on ESPN 59 on Saturday in Denver, a fight that many expected him to lose given the promise Vann had shown in his previous bouts.
Johnson knew he had the ability to beat Vann because he is the poster child for the weight class, which is why he accepted the bout.
“I knew Van had a couple fights that didn't go well and I was training,” Johnson said. “I knew he was ready to fight anybody and I'm always ready, so I wanted to fight him. If I'm not going to face the next ranked guy, which is what I was told, there's no reason not to fight this kid who's on a three-fight win streak and is expected to be ranked soon. Why not fight him? It's a fan-friendly fight. Everybody's going to love it and it'll show people that Charles Johnson is different.”
“Van has a bright future in this promotion but he's not there yet. Charles is there. His time is now.”
For more on the card, check out MMA Junkie's UFC on ESPN 59 event hub.
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