First look between Ilia Topuria e Charles of the Bronx. Photo: Reproduction/UFC India
Apparently, the good-natured personality of Charles of the Bronx has earned the admiration and affection even of his adversaries. Ilia Topuria, who will face the jiu-jitsu black belt in the main fight of the UFC 317 for the lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg), he put aside the rivalry atmosphere and has made it clear in his statements that he likes his next opponent.
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The latest episode of UFC Embedded showed the Georgian/Spanish fighter's impressions after his face-off with Leão Embaçado. Despite being confident of victory, the fighter confessed that he was unable to harbor negative feelings towards the Brazilian.
“It’s so hard to fight someone you want to hate but can’t,” El Matador said.
️ Ilia Topuria:
“It's so tough to fight someone that, you want to hate him but you can't.”
@ufc #UFC317 pic.twitter.com/edCIo7UyPi
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 27, 2025
Topuria even apologized to Charles
Ilia Topuria is undefeated in MMA. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
In a video released by the UFC, it is possible to understand the dialogue between the two fighters at the moment of the face-off. At one point, the former featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg) apologized to the Brazilian and said that he would not like to face him. Charles shrugged his shoulders and simply said that it would be a great fight.
The two have indeed been showing a good relationship throughout the week of the event. A few days ago, the two were seen in a friendly moment during the weight cut. Despite this, El Matador has even stated that he intends to end the fight quickly.
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