Flyweights
Jake Hadley (10-2, 2-2 UFC) vs. Charles Johnson (14-6, 3-4 UFC)After a much-needed win over Azat Maksum in February, Johnson gets the opportunity to keep figuring things out in the UFC. Johnson was a highly successful regional fighter, though “InnerG” did figure to have some issues at the UFC level. A former track star and clearly a standout athlete, Johnson’s greatest strength at the regional level was his ability to outlast his opponents and slowly take a fight over with any number of tools. That worked well in five-round championship fights against a solid level of regional competition, but he’s struggled to pick up the pace now that he’s in three-round fights against better fighters, losing some frustrating affairs as a result. Johnson’s also one of the most active fighters in the UFC in terms of willingness to take fights—this marks his eighth UFC appearance in less than two years—so it’s almost heightened the effect of being frustrated by his issues given his potential, though he did string things together enough to eke out a decision over talented but aimless top prospect in Maksum. Hadley’s an interesting next challenge, as the Brit’s also had his potential show up in fits and starts at the UFC level. Hadley’s signing was a bit controversial. He had a standout performance on the Contender Series, but UFC President Dana White had to override everyone else involved in order to sign him after he missed weight and caused some issues behind the scenes. Hadley’s grappling was his clear standout skill up to that point, but it’s factored in less than expected during his UFC career. He’s done most of his work as a striker, and while he’s gotten the chance to show off his grappling against opponents willing to take him down, those opponents have usually been able to wrestle their way to victory. Johnson might hurt himself with a lack of output, but he’s usually willing to wrestle, so there’s a decent chance that he’s able to control Hadley for most of the fight while the Englishman hunts for submissions from his back. With that said, the bet is that this takes place on the feet enough that Hadley can take this based on output and pace. The pick is Hadley via decision.
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