Bold prediction: UFC 324 is shaping up to be a watershed card as the promotion enters a new era on Paramount+. And this is the part most fans overlook—flyweight depth is getting deeper just as the schedule heats up.
Sources close to the situation confirm that Alex Perez (25-10) will collide with Charles Johnson (18-7) in a flyweight bout set for January 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The fight was initially hinted at by Johnson on his social platforms, and it’s now locked in as a featured matchup for the event.
Both athletes currently sit inside the UFC’s top 15 at 125 pounds, adding serious intrigue to the card’s early lineup.
Perez is in a quick turnaround after a third-round submission defeat to Asu Almabayev in November. The veteran, who has logged a 14-year pro career, has endured multiple bout cancellations in recent years. His return to form is crucial, especially after contending for the flyweight title against Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 255 in 2020. Since that title shot, he has fought five times and won once, so he’ll be motivated to reestablish momentum.
Johnson, known for his relentless pace and finishing ability, continues to prove himself among the most challenging opponents in the division. He bounced back with a second-round KO of Lone’er Kavanagh this August and has won five of his last six fights. Among those wins is a knockout over Joshua Van, who later faced Alexandre Pantoja for the 125-pound title at UFC 323.
UFC 324 headlines with a compelling double-stacked night: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for an interim lightweight title in the main event, while bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison puts her title on the line against the returning Amanda Nunes in the co-main slot.
The event also marks UFC’s premiere on Paramount+, highlighting a broader network shift that fans have been watching closely.
What does Perez-vs-Johnson mean for the flyweight landscape going forward? Could this outcome tilt the division’s balance as stars like Figueiredo and Moreno evolve, and how will the Paramount+ era influence how fans watch these pivotal matchups? Share your thoughts in the comments about who you think will emerge as the next challenger and whether this card lives up to the hype.
