Charles Johnson: Chasing Gold on the Track & in the Octagon

About this episode

UFC standout Charles Johnson shares his journey from homelessness to becoming a champion, discussing the challenges and inspirations along the way.

"I ain't never seen more than five figures in my bank account... I was fighting out of debt." UFC standout Charles Johnson joins the table for a high-energy conversation about the "Backbreakers" that defined his path to the Octagon. From being a homeless student-athlete living in a parking garage to becoming an LFA champion and a UFC veteran, Charles discusses the physical and emotional toll of the fight game—including his 11 fights in three years and the reality of providing for his family. In this episode, we discuss: St. Louis Grit: Growing up in a "dog-eat-dog" culture and the moment a track scholarship loss forced him to find his true identity. The Track Legend: Being a two-time AAU national champion and how the endurance of 3,000-meter races prepared him for five-round wars. Thailand Realignment: Living on $50 a month in Phuket to master Muay Thai and find his spiritual balance. The "InnerG" Mentality: Why Charles believes prayer, positivity, and perseverance are the three Ps of success—and how they keep him fighting through "numb legs" and injuries. Anime & Influence: Why Rock Lee and Zoro are his ultimate inspirations…

People in this episode

Guest: Charles Johnson

Topics covered

• UFC
• personal struggle
• athletic journey
• Muay Thai
• mental resilience
• food culture

Keywords

• Charles Johnson
• UFC
• LFA champion
• Muay Thai
• St. Louis
• endurance racing
• mental toughness
• Thai food

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Sticky Rice

Products: Thai Larb Gai, sticky rice

Books & works: Rock Lee, Zoro, Shawn Michaels

Places: St. Louis, Phuket

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