LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 19: (Right) Charles Johnson kicks China’s Sumuda Elji in a flyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on October 19, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. . (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
While the flyweight division has been in full swing over the past few months, producing some of the best fights, it was Charles Johnson and Sue Mudaerji who represented the 125-pound division on the main card of UFC Vegas 99.
Johnson won three straight fights and earned two post-fight bonuses during that time. As for Sumudaelj, he lost in his UFC debut, rattling his three-fight win streak, and then dropped his last two fights heading into UFC Vegas 99.
Each fighter went for a takedown right after the start, but none landed. Johnson used his southpaw stance to put pressure on Su Mudarji and quickly landed a leg kick. After a big uppercut, Johnson grabbed Su Mudaji and put him in a clinch, controlling him against the cage. After a stalemate near the cage, Su Mudaji landed a nice knee kick on the break. In the final 10 seconds of the first round, both fighters stood in the pocket and exchanged heavy punches.
Johnson continued to apply pressure forward in the second round, trying to overwhelm Su Mudaelji as both fighters landed damaging leg kicks. Sue Mdarji made a big mistake with a left hand that caused him to lose his balance, and Johnson chased him and connected with a right hand to take him down. As Sue Mudaji collapsed against the cage, Johnson landed a big ground ball and pound that nearly finished him.
Throughout his career, Sue Mudarji has proven how tough and resilient he is, once again surviving and making it to the third round. In the final five minutes, Su Mdarji put together his best round, establishing a long jab. Johnson got a takedown with 1:15 left in the third, but Sue Madaj scrambled to her feet and landed a straight left hand and a knee to the middle. Amid the cheers of the fans in attendance, both players continued to pitch until the final bell rang.
After three hard-fought rounds, all judges scored the fight for Johnson (29-28). Johnson outscored Su Mudazi by a total of 84-78 and also landed two takedowns.
Official result: Charles Johnson def. Sue Mudarji unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
