Carlos Johnson wants to be among the best in the world.
Now on a three-fight winning streak, Johnson (16-6 MMA, 5-4 UFC) hopes he has done enough to earn a spot in the official UFC flyweight rankings, which would open the door to bigger fights.
“I hope I qualify,” Johnson told reporters (MMA FanSided) after his victory at UFC on ESPN 59. “That’s three wins in a row. (No.) 14th and 15th (ranked) haven’t done anything in this promotion for three fights in three years.
“… Let’s take some guys who are working and fighting with everyone like me, like (Allan) Nascimento x (Jafel Filho) – they are fighting. I think one of them will also win a spot. I think the guys are earning their way.”
Johnson knocked out highly touted prospect Joshua Van on Saturday UFC on ESPN 59 in Denver. It was a fight many expected him to lose, given the promise Van had shown in previous fights.
Johnson knew he could get past Van, as he is the best in the category – that’s why he accepted the fight.
“I knew Van had some fights against him and he was training,” Johnson said. “I knew he was ready to fight anyone, and I’m always ready and wanted to fight. If I wasn’t going to get a ranked opponent next, and that’s what I was told, then why not fight the kid on a three-fight winning streak and submit who is projected to be ranked soon? Why not fight him? It’s a fan-friendly fight. Everyone will love the fight and I could show people that Charles Johnson is different.
“Van has a healthy future in this promotion, but he’s not there yet. Carlos and. It’s time.”
For more information on the card, visit the MMA Junkie events hub to UFC on ESPN 59.
