The flyweight division just got a major shake-up – and fans are buzzing about it. Two ranked contenders are officially set to collide at UFC 324, which marks the start of the much-anticipated Paramount era for the promotion.
Sources confirmed to MMA Fighting’s Guilherme Cruz and Mike Heck that Alex Perez (25-10) will square off against Charles Johnson (18-7) in a high-stakes flyweight bout scheduled for January 24 at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. Johnson first hinted at the matchup on his social media, sparking immediate speculation among fans. Both fighters currently sit within the UFC’s top-15 flyweight rankings, making this a crucial bout for divisional positioning.
For Perez, this fight comes on the heels of a tough third-round submission defeat to Asu Almabayev in November. The 14-year veteran has endured a rollercoaster few years, plagued by repeated fight cancellations and long layoffs. Many fans still remember when Perez once contended for gold against Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 255 in 2020. Since that championship bid, however, he’s only competed five times, with just one victory to his name. Can Perez rediscover the sharpness and consistency that once put him on the title radar? That’s the comeback story everyone’s watching.
Across the Octagon, Charles “InnerG” Johnson continues to elevate his reputation as one of the most durable and unpredictable fighters in the 125-pound division. He recently bounced back in spectacular fashion, scoring a second-round knockout over Lone’er Kavanagh in August. Johnson has won five of his last six contests, including a highlight-reel finish of Joshua Van—who, interestingly enough, challenges Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight title this Saturday at UFC 323. Could Johnson’s recent surge position him as a dark horse title threat in 2025? Many think so.
UFC 324’s lineup promises fireworks far beyond this matchup. The event will feature two championship bouts: Justin Gaethje takes on Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title in what many fans expect to be a barnburner, while reigning bantamweight queen Kayla Harrison defends her belt against former champion Amanda Nunes in her highly anticipated return.
And here’s something worth noting: UFC 324 will also make history as the first card broadcast on Paramount+, officially opening a new broadcasting chapter for the organization. But will this shift ultimately help or hurt UFC’s global reach? Fight fans, what do you think — is this new era a step forward for the sport, or just a flashy rebrand?
