UFC legend points the way for Charles do Bronx to upset Ilia Topuria in title fight

Charles of the Bronx in victory in UFC 309. Photo: Instagram / Charles of the Bronx

On the 28th of June, Charles of the Bronx will have, in the main fight of the UFC 317, the long-awaited opportunity to regain the lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg). To do so, the Brazilian will have to do what no one else has done: defeat Ilia Topuria. Legend of the organization, Demetrious Johnson has some advice for Brazilians in this arduous mission.

In an interview with trainer Tim Welch, former flyweight champion (up to 56,7 kg) 'Mighty Mouse' outlined what he considers the best path to Charles of the Bronx explore in the duel against the undefeated Georgian.

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“He’s very good at range, with that whole slow pace, defend, slow, defend, come in and throw five-punch combinations. But once someone gets in the clinch with him, in that area, that’s where I want to see how he reacts. I feel like we haven’t seen him fight in that area. If Charles gets him in that area, obviously he can go to the body, body, head, but when he does that, you can still hit him with a knee, so it’s worth testing. If Charles can get him in the clinch, it’s going to be interesting to see what happens,” said the former champion.

Demetrious Johnson He continued his line of reasoning, pointing out the clinch as a path that has not yet been tested against a fighter who has already proven to be lethal when he has space and is very attentive to his opponents' takedown attempts.

“If I were to face Ilia, I would face him in the clinch. Okay, at range he hits really hard and he will chase me. If I go for a takedown, he will defend and stand up, or even try to take me down. What would he do in the clinch? I know he will attack my body, and I will elbow him. It is in the clinch that I would like to see what he would do,” he concluded.

Considered a big underdog in the initial odds of bookmakers, Charles of the Bronx faces Ilia Topuria in the main fight of UFC 317, on June 28th, at the T-Mobile Arena, in Las Vegas, in the United States.