UFC 324: Alex Perez vs Charles Johnson Preview & Prediction
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Activity meets experience as Charles Johnson faces Alex Perez in flyweight prelim opener at UFC 324.
Alex Perez vs Charles Johnson facts
What time are Alex Perez and Charles Johnson expected to walk out?
Where is UFC 324? T-Mobile Arena, Nevada, USA
Where can I get tickets for UFC 324? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC 324
What TV channel is UFC 324 on? UK – TNT Sports Box Office / USA – Not televised
Where can I stream UFC 324? UK – TNT Sports subscribers who have paid for the fight can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – Paramount+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC 324: Gaethje vs Pimblett main card
Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett (Lightweight)
Sean O'Malley vs Song Yadong (Bantamweight)
Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Derrick Lewis (Heavyweight)
Natalia Silva vs Rose Namajunas (Women’s Flyweight)
Arnold Allen vs Jean Silva (Featherweight)
UFC 324: Gaethje vs Pimblett prelims
Umar Nurmagomedov vs Deiveson Figueiredo (Bantamweight)
Ateba Gautier vs Andrey Pulyaev (Middleweight)
Nikita Krylov vs Modestas Bukauskas (Light Heavyweight)
Alex Perez vs Charles Johnson (Flyweight)
Michael Johnson vs Alexander Hernandez (Lightweight)
Josh Hokit vs Denzel Freeman (Heavyweight)
Ricky Turcios vs Cameron Smotherman (Bantamweight)
Adam Fugitt vs Ty Miller (Welterweight)
Alex Perez: Proven contender battling inactivity and momentum
Alex Perez (25-10-0) enters this flyweight contest as a former title challenger whose career has been defined by elite-level opposition and persistent injury setbacks. At his peak, Perez established himself as one of the division’s strongest wrestlers, pairing explosive takedowns with sharp boxing combinations and a willingness to engage in high-pressure exchanges. His résumé includes notable victories over Matheus Nicolau, Jussier Formiga and Jordan Espinosa, underlining the calibre of fighter he can be when fully active and healthy.
However, activity has been Perez’s biggest obstacle. Since 2020, he has competed just five times, a stark contrast to most modern flyweights. In 2024, Perez went 1–2 against ranked opposition, suffering losses to Tatsuro Taira and Muhammad Mokaev while managing a gritty win over Matheus Nicolau. His most recent appearance came in early 2025, where he was controlled and ultimately submitted by Asu Almabayev. While those losses came against legitimate contenders, the lack of consistency, combined with recurring layoffs, raises questions about his ability to keep pace with a highly active and rhythm-based striker.
Charles Johnson: Relentless volume striker riding confidence and activity
Charles “InnerG” Johnson (18-7-0) steps into UFC 324 as one of the most active flyweights on the roster and a fighter whose confidence continues to grow with each outing. Standing taller and longer than most of his opponents, Johnson uses his rangy frame, footwork and crisp boxing to dictate range and rack up volume. Since 2020, he has competed 17 times, an extraordinary level of activity that has hardened him through adversity and refined his fight IQ under pressure.
Johnson enters this bout off a highlight-reel knockout victory over Loney Kavanaugh, further reinforcing his recent surge. While his UFC run has included setbacks, he has consistently rebounded with improved performances, showing durability, composure and an ability to fight through difficult moments. His height and reach advantages are particularly notable in this matchup, as he faces a shorter opponent who relies heavily on closing distance to wrestle. Johnson’s confidence, output and ability to maintain a fast pace across three rounds make him a difficult problem for anyone lacking consistent recent cage time.
Alex Perez vs Charles Johnson prediction
This matchup presents a clear stylistic contrast. Perez is the more experienced grappler with proven success at the highest level, but his inactivity and recent struggles against relentless wrestlers raise concerns. Against Johnson, he faces a taller opponent with a significant reach advantage, strong defensive awareness, and the cardio to maintain pressure across all three rounds. Closing distance repeatedly without absorbing damage will be a difficult task.
Johnson’s activity, momentum and striking polish give him the edge in a fight likely to be contested primarily on the feet. If Perez cannot establish early takedowns and sustained control, Johnson’s volume and range management should allow him to steadily pull ahead on the scorecards. With confidence high and rhythm firmly established, Johnson looks well positioned to capitalise.
Prediction: Charles Johnson to win
