UFC Vegas 99: Charles Johnson vs. Su Mudaerji: Live round-by-round updates
Charles Johnson and Su Mudaerji are set to clash in a pivotal flyweight bout at UFC Vegas 99. This fight will mark Johnson’s fourth fight in 2024 and Su Mudaerji’s return after the submission loss to Tim Elliott in December 2023.
Johnson has consistently delivered exciting performances since joining the UFC in 2022. With Saturday’s contest, the St. Louis native will be making his 10th UFC appearance. He enters this bout leveraging the momentum of a solid 2024 campaign, having secured three victories, including a recent third-round knockout of Joshua Van, which earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.
In contrast, Su Mudaerji has struggled to maintain momentum due to injuries and setbacks, competing just twice in the last three years. The 28-year-old, once a rising contender in the division, is looking to snap a two-fight losing streak and regain the form that saw him compile a commendable three-fight win streak.
UFC Vegas 99 is set to take place at the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas on Saturday, Oct. 19. The action begins with the prelims at 4 p.m. ET/ 1 p.m. ET, followed by the main card starting at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. ET.
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for live coverage and play-by-play updates of the Charles Johnson vs. Su Mudaerji clash:
Round 1
Johnson charges forward with powerful, swinging punches to initiate a clinch against the cage. Solid work from Su Mudaerji to defend the takedown attempt and he opens up with a couple of leg kicks. The Chinese fighter is investing in the leg kick early while cautiously circling away from Johnson's right hand. Johnson initiates the clinch again and fires off a few knee strikes, only to be separated by an elbow off the break from his rival. Wild looping shots from Johnson to initiate a fiery exchange towards the end of the round.
Our Score: 10-9 Johnson
Round 2
Johnson opens to round with a straight kick to the mid-section. Su Mudaerji is peppering his opponent with the jab and scoring with the calf kicks. A strong sidekick to the body lands for Su Mudaerji. Johnson seems to be frustrated with his opponent's range fighting approach. The American catches his opponent with a right hand while Su Mudaerji tries to get away from the clinch attempt.
Johnson drops his opponent with a couple of punches and swarms in to chase the finish. Su Mudaerji maintains his composure and hurts Johnson with an up-kick. He locks in a deep triangle choke and transitions to the armbar attempt. Johnson defends the submission attempt as both the fighters claw back to their feet. A brilliant scramble from the flyweight contenders.
Our Score: 10-9 Johnson
Round 3
Su Mudaerji now tries to take his opponent down but Johnson defends the attempt. Straight left lands for Su Mudaerji but Johnson fires back with a two-punch combination. The leg kicks from Su Mudaerji seem to be bothering Johnson now. Johnson lands a straight punch to the body and closes the distance to initiate a takedown attempt. Johnson reverses a takedown attempt from Su Mudaerji and ends up in the dominant top control position. However, he fails to maintain the position as both fighters swing it out to close out the thrilling encounter on the main card of UFC Vegas 99.
Our Score: 10-9 Su Mudaerji
Official Result
Charles Johnson defeats Su Mudaerji by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28,29-28)