'Remember My Name!' Charles 'InnerG' Johnson's UFC Shanghai KO Saved His Career and His Bank Account

UFC flyweight Charles "InnerG" Johnson delivered one of the year’s most dramatic knockouts against previously undefeated prospect Lone'er Kavanagh at UFC Fight Night in Shanghai, after facing adversity within the cage as well as outside of it. 

Entering the bout as a significant underdog, Johnson weathered Kavanagh’s impressive striking in the first round. He also survived Kavanagh’s grappling pressure before connecting with a devastating right hand that instantly finished the fight with 30 seconds to spare in the second round.

Here is the KO:

https://youtube.com/shorts/KbOUAJvYDls?si=DfhOQcXphTelfgLM

In his Octagon interview after the fight, he addressed the crowd in Mandarin with the inspirational message, “China! My name is Charles Johnson! I’m from America. Fight for your dreams. We will rise together. Remember my name!”

Watch his interview here:

This marked Johnson's fifth win in his last six outings and solidified his reputation as the premier dark horse fighter in the flyweight division, and improved his record in the UFC to 7-5.

Beyond the KO finish, however, lies a story of personal struggle that nearly prevented Johnson from competing.

According to MMA reporter Ariel Helwani, Johnson was facing financial struggles that prompted his manager to provide emergency financial assistance.

The stellar performance, which resulted in a $50,000 bonus, couldn't have come at a more critical time for the 34-year-old fighter, who is expecting a baby with his partner soon.

The victory also carries significant implications for the UFC flyweight landscape, as Johnson has also knocked out the current no. 1-ranked flyweight fighter and the division’s next title challenger, Joshua Van.

Watch that KO here:

Johnson said in a post-fight interview, “I’m very experienced, and I’m here for a reason. I’m ranked for a reason, and I’ve beaten the guys I’ve beaten for a reason.”