Asu Almabayev has spoken about his upcoming opponent Charles Johnson, describing him as an artistic and experienced fighter who presents real dangers. Almabayev noted that Johnson has proven himself in the UFC, including a knockout of Joshua Van, but stressed he has no one to fear and will fight to the finish.
Asu Almabayev has opened up about his upcoming flyweight clash with Charles Johnson, expressing respect for his opponent while making clear he intends to finish the fight.
Almabayev, nicknamed "Zulfikar," carries a 24-3-0 record and sits at number eight in the UFC flyweight rankings. The 32-year-old Kazakhstani represents DAR Pro Team and fights out of an orthodox stance. Standing five-foot-four with a 65-inch reach, he is a relentless grappler, averaging 4.46 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.5 submission attempts per 15 minutes — numbers that reflect a style built around controlling and finishing opponents on the mat.
Johnson, known as "InnerG," brings a 19-9-0 record and considerable UFC experience into the bout. The 35-year-old American out of Murcielago MMA stands five-foot-nine with a 70-inch reach and fights out of a switch stance, giving him a notable size and reach advantage over Almabayev. He averages 4.77 significant strikes landed per minute and has demonstrated finishing ability inside the octagon, including a knockout of flyweight champion Joshua Van. Almabayev acknowledged Johnson's artistry and experience, identifying him as a genuinely dangerous opponent.
Despite that respect, Almabayev was firm in stating he has nobody to fear and plans to go after the finish when the two meet.
Why it matters
- Almabayev enters as the ranked fighter, sitting eighth in the flyweight division, meaning a strong performance could push him further up the ladder
- Johnson's knockout of Joshua Van — the current 24-year-old flyweight champion from Myanmar — demonstrates he can compete with elite-level opposition
- The stylistic contrast is sharp: Almabayev's elite takedown volume against Johnson's switch-stance striking and submission threat creates a genuine puzzle for both fighters
