Charles Johnson Calls for Asu Almabayev or Brandon Royval Rematch

UFC flyweight contender wants to test himself against different styles in his next fight.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 5:50pm

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After his latest win at UFC Fight Night 269, Charles Johnson is eyeing a matchup against either crafty wrestler Asu Almabayev or scrappy striker Brandon Royval for his next fight. Johnson sees those two opponents as a step forward and a good test to showcase his progress, having previously faced difficulties against wrestling-heavy styles but believing he has improved in that area.

Why it matters

Johnson is a rising contender in the UFC flyweight division, and facing tough stylistic challenges like Almabayev or Royval could help elevate his status and prove he has made strides in areas he has struggled with in the past.

The details

Johnson (19-8 MMA, 8-6 UFC) defeated veteran Bruno Silva (15-8-2 MMA, 3-5 UFC) on the preliminary card of UFC Fight Night 269 at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas. Although the judges' decision was split, Johnson felt he won every round convincingly. He believes a fight against either Almabayev, who recently beat the fighter Johnson lost to, or a rematch with Royval, whom he previously fought in LFA, would be a good next step in his career.

  • Johnson defeated Bruno Silva on March 15, 2026 at UFC Fight Night 269.

The players

Charles Johnson

A rising UFC flyweight contender with an 8-6 record in the promotion.

Asu Almabayev

A crafty wrestler who recently defeated the fighter that Johnson lost to.

Brandon Royval

A scrappy striker whom Johnson previously fought in LFA, with some feeling Johnson won that fight.

Bruno Silva

A veteran UFC fighter whom Johnson defeated in a split decision at UFC Fight Night 269.

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What they’re saying

“I think Asu is a great fight. It's that wrestling style that I've had difficulties in the past. Not anymore. And I would love to test myself against him. He's a very tough style to deal with because he's grapple heavy, but he can throw bombs. And, you know, he beat the guy I just lost to, (Alex Perez). So regardless, that shows that for me, I just, I can get that fight back by beating him.”

— Charles Johnson

“Or, you know, I've fought Brandon Royval in the LFA, and that was a very close fight. A lot of guys feel like I won that fight all those years ago, and me and him are much better athletes now. He's been at the top of the game for a while. I respect him a lot, love the guy, so I think that that'll be an amazing fight for the fans as well.”

— Charles Johnson

The takeaway

Charles Johnson's desire to face either Asu Almabayev or Brandon Royval in his next fight shows his confidence in his ability to overcome the wrestling-heavy and striking-focused styles that have given him trouble in the past. A win over either opponent could help solidify Johnson's status as a top contender in the UFC flyweight division.