The UFC Apex, once hailed as the savior during the tumultuous times of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, has become a prolonged stage for UFC events, outlasting fan expectations. This Las Vegas facility, devoid of a live audience, has become the unexpected home for flyweight contender Charles Johnson, who, after his debut in UFC London in July 2022, finds himself disenchanted with the persistent confinement to the smaller Octagon.
Johnson, holding a UFC career record of 2-4 and an overall record of 13-6, voices his frustration in an exclusive interview with Jamie Theo. Despite an initial acceptance of the unique and quieter atmosphere, Johnson’s patience wears thin as he contemplates his sixth consecutive appearance within the UFC Apex.
The UFC Apex continues to draw criticism from not only fans, but fighters alike❌
Here’s the reason why Charles Johnson has grown ‘irritated’ with fighting in the confines of the Apex…#UFCVegas85 #UFC pic.twitter.com/V47EydMlmq
— Jamie (@JamieTheoMMA) January 29, 2024
His discontent stems from the absence of the full UFC experience, a sentiment echoed in his struggle to secure tickets for his family due to exorbitant prices. Johnson passionately expresses his desire for a single seat, a gesture he believes would preserve the intimacy of the in-house venue.
As the UFC continues to utilize the Apex for various events, including Dana White‘s side projects like the Contender Series and Power Slap League, Johnson advocates for a transition to larger arenas. The initial fun of the unique setting has waned, and Johnson argues it is time for the promotion to move forward and recapture the grandeur of big fight nights.
Johnson, 33, prepares for a pivotal moment in his career, aiming to break free from a three-fight losing streak against Azat Maksum at UFC Vegas 85 on Saturday, February 3, 2024. Beyond his personal struggles, Johnson’s narrative sheds light on the broader challenges faced by fighters confined within the limits of the UFC Apex.
Despite the occasional presence of a wealthy heckler, adding a quirky element to the Apex’s atmosphere, Johnson longs for the electrifying energy of a live audience. In contrast to the intimate setting, he describes his experiences in larger arenas like Toronto, Jacksonville, and Vegas as genuine and energizing, emphasizing that the Apex often feels more like a spar session than a true fight.
As Johnson stands on the precipice of UFC Vegas 85, his journey becomes emblematic of the ongoing debate within the UFC community about the balance between intimacy and the need for the grandeur that only larger arenas can provide.
KAIRA’S VIEW
In Charles Johnson’s candid revelation about his UFC journey confined to the Apex, a profound sense of disenchantment permeates his words. For four years, the Apex has stood as a symbol of resilience, born out of necessity during the challenging times of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Johnson’s frustration is palpable as he expresses the loss of the full UFC experience within the crowdless walls of the Apex. The intimacy, initially appreciated, has given way to a desire for the vibrant energy of larger arenas. His plea for a single ticket for his wife echoes a human side, underscoring the sacrifices and personal costs athletes endure. As the UFC continues to utilize the Apex for various events, including Dana White’s side projects, Johnson’s yearning for a transition to larger venues is a poignant reminder of the emotional toll fighters face in pursuit of their careers. In this quest to break a three-fight losing streak at UFC Vegas 85, Johnson embodies a longing for the authenticity and grandeur that a real fight, amidst a live audience, brings to the Octagon.
