MMA Match Preview: Alex Perez (25-10) vs. Charles Johnson (18-7)
The flyweight division takes center stage on the early prelims of UFC 324 as former title challenger Alex Perez (25-10) aims to rebound from back-to-back losses against surging contender Charles Johnson (18-7). Perez, a technical striker with solid grappling, returns after a tough 2025 marked by a submission loss and injury setbacks, facing a confident Johnson who’s riding a wave of finishes and decision wins. Johnson, known for his volume striking and durability, looks to crack the top 10 with a win over the veteran. This matchup could be a high-paced striking affair if Perez dictates range or turn into a grind if Johnson closes distance. No prior history or bad blood, but Perez’s experience vs. Johnson’s momentum adds intrigue to a card headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title.
Venue Location
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada. This 20,000-seat venue is a UFC staple, known for its vibrant crowd and history of hosting explosive flyweight fights, with several decisions and stoppages in recent events.
The prelims starting at 5:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. PT, 4:00 p.m. local time in Las Vegas). Prelims follow at 7:00 p.m. ET, and the main card at 9:00 p.m. ET. This fight is on the early prelims, likely airing around 5:30-6:00 p.m. ET. Stream live on Paramount+ and UFC Fight Pass.
Injury Report
Alex Perez: No active injuries reported heading into the fight. Perez recovered from a severe knee injury (ACL tear) sustained in June 2024 against Tatsuro Taira, which sidelined him until November 2025. He returned but lost via submission to Asu Almabayev; full recovery confirmed with no lingering issues.
Charles Johnson: No reported injuries. Johnson’s last bout in August 2025 was unaffected by health issues, and training camp updates indicate peak condition for this matchup.
Fighter Matchups
This flyweight (125 lbs) early prelim bout pits Perez’s veteran grappling and submission skills against Johnson’s volume striking and durability. Perez (5’6″, 65″ reach, 33 years old) lands 4.8 significant strikes per minute at 52% accuracy, with strong takedowns (2.1 per 15 minutes at 48% success) and submissions (7 career subs, 28% of wins). He’s a switch-stance fighter who excels in scrambles and ground control. Johnson (5’9″, 70″ reach, 35 years old) absorbs 4.2 strikes per minute but counters with 5.2 at 58% accuracy, boasting solid takedown defense (75%) and knockout power (8 KOs, 44% of wins). Styles clash: Perez’s pressure and ground game vs. Johnson’s range and cardio; if Perez closes, his subs threaten, but Johnson’s height/reach could keep it standing for a decision.
Recent Form
Alex Perez: On a rough stretch with 2-3 in his last 5, showing vulnerability to submissions and injuries. Last 5: L (Sub vs. Almabayev Nov 2025), L (TKO injury vs. Taira Jun 2024), W (KO vs. Nicolau Apr 2024), L (UD vs. Mokaev Mar 2024), L (Sub vs. Pantoja Jul 2022). Form emphasizes finishing power when healthy but recent losses highlight grappling defenses issues.
Charles Johnson: 4-1 in his last 5, with a mix of finishes and decisions. Last 5: W (KO vs. Kavanagh Aug 2025), L (UD vs. Temirov Mar 2025), W (UD vs. Sumudaerji Oct 2024), W (KO vs. Van Jul 2024), W (UD vs. Hadley May 2024). Form highlights durability and ability to outstrike opponents over distance, but the loss shows struggles against elite volume.
Fight History
This is the first meeting between Perez and Johnson—no prior head-to-head or bad blood reported. They share no common opponents of note. Perez’s UFC tenure (11-6) edges Johnson’s (7-5), but no notable connections or feuds. A clean stylistic matchup.
FIGHT ODDS
Alex Perez + 165
Charles Johnson – 190
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026
