Charles of the Bronx is a former UFC champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC India
In just over a week, Charles of the Bronx e Ilia Topuria duel for the lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg) in the main fight of the star-studded UFC 317, on June 28. A former champion, the Brazilian is confident about starting his second reign in the division.
In an interview with 'MMA Junkie', Charles spoke about the fact that he was fighting for a belt without an owner for the third time. The Brazilian became champion in 2021 months after Khabib Nurmagomedov retire and leave the position vacant. In 2022, it was Charles himself who left the title vacant by failing to make weight for the defense against Justin gaethje, and ended up finished by Islam makhachev months later. Now, he faces Topuria after the Russian abdicated the throne to move up to welterweight (up to 77,1 kg).
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“It certainly doesn’t change the mentality. It’s a fight for the title. It doesn’t matter if there’s a champion or if it’s vacant. You have to go out there and win. Definitely (Topuria is the ideal opponent), especially because of the hype he’s been getting. He’s an undefeated guy and he makes the fight huge,” said the Brazilian.
Since the fight was confirmed, the stance of Charles of the Bronx em relação a Ilia Topuria has been extremely respectful. The same, however, cannot be said of the former featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg), who has used social media and interviews to provoke his rival.
“Absolutely not (he treated me with the same respect). I don’t know why he’s been saying everything he’s been saying, but on the 28th we’ll see who’s who. Everyone knows who the champion of the category is,” he said.
Lastly, Charles of the Bronx He avoided stating any type of victory method, but he assured that his conquest 'is written' and it is only a matter of time.
“I just want to win. It’s already written. I just have to go out there and get what’s mine,” he concluded.
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