A notable guest made an appearance at MLP Orlando, as UFC fighter Charles Johnson was spotted courtside cheering on his hometown team, the St. Louis Shock.

“I’m a huge fan of this team. I love our team,” said Johnson. “They always seem like the underdogs, even though they’re great. I love watching them.”

The event marked Johnson’s second time attending an MLP event and watching the Shock in action.

“It’s just a fun sport. It’s all the good things about tennis, you know? Tennis gets a little boring sometimes. At the highest level, pickleball is amazing. It’s amazing watching the best players play, and it’s so fun to watch. It’s intense,” he said. “I love the intensity of our players, too. The competitiveness on our women’s and men’s side is amazing. They always find a way.”

Johnson had a front-row seat to one of the most electrifying matchups of the season, as the Shock faced off against the New Jersey 5s. The opening mixed doubles game delivered exactly what fans hoped for—a high-intensity showdown featuring Anna Bright and Hayden Patriquin against Anna Leigh Waters and Noe Khlif.

One of the defining moments came from Patriquin, whose celebrations and undeniable court swagger elevated the energy and spectacle of the match.

Johnson soaked it all in, and loved every second.

“I think Hayden was feeding off my energy a little bit. When he started talking, he started playing with a different swagger and a different rhythm. I think when he changes up the pace after he’s been playing for a little bit, it goes a long way,” noted Johnson. “I fight for a living, so when you get in a fight and you get a flow going, I see Hayden get a flow going and he dictates his shots a little differently. It’s fun to watch.”

Despite the loss, the Shock walked away with perspective—and encouragement—from Johnson as they turn their focus toward the playoffs.

“In all sports, it’s like a mental thing. I was telling the team that, you know, you guys kicked their a** last time, so they had a little bit of mental fortitude to come into this one and beat you, but you now get to take this and let this fuel you. So go into the playoffs with a good mindset,” he shared. “I think they have a very good chance to win the whole thing. They have a great team, great players, and they have a good staff of people that care about them, so they’ll do well.”

While Johnson clearly enjoys watching pickleball at its elite level, he admitted he hasn’t stepped onto the court himself yet.

“I don’t play now because I worry about rolling my ankles, but I’m going to start when I have more time,” he confirmed. “I’m probably going to pull up on the team and get some professional cues.”

Johnson thoroughly enjoyed taking in the play from the game’s top athletes.

“I brought my family with me. I had my son on the bench and he behaved and enjoyed it,” concluded Johnson. “He loves watching the action, so it was a great time and an awesome family event.”

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