Charles of the Bronx represents Brazil in the octagon. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Five years after his last appearance on Brazilian soil, Charles of the Bronx will finally have the opportunity to fight again in front of the national crowd. Scheduled to star in UFC Rio on October 11th at Farmasi Arena, the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg) faces the dangerous Raphael Fiziev in a fight that carries not only sporting value, but a strong emotional component.
See too
From discredited prospect to absolute UFC record holder, Charles returns to the country in a moment of reconstruction, after being knocked out by Ilia Topuria in the fight for the vacant belt, in June.
The fight in Rio de Janeiro represents more than a comeback: it's a chance to start over, surrounded by a crowd that has always embraced him, even in defeat.
The impact of the 'home factor'
Brazilian UFC stars pose in front of Christ the Redeemer. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
Since the legendary UFC Rio 1 in 2011, when Dana White described Brazilians as 'the loudest crowd in UFC history', the atmosphere at events held in the country has become an emotional asset for fighters.
There is no shortage of striking examples: José Aldo jumping into the crowd after being knocked out Chad Mendes, Shogun and Minotauro cheered after historic victories, or even the legendary spinning kick of Edson Barboza against Terry emo. Even the 'Uh, you're going to die!' became a trademark.
For Charles, this connection with the public has always been a driving force. Over the years, he's made clear his desire to fight in Brazil again and was moved to tears when recalling the affection he received even during the most difficult moments of his career. The request to be at UFC Rio, in fact, came from the athlete himself, as revealed by his coach and manager Diego Lima.
"Charles has a great desire to fight in Brazil. He wants to fight for his people, he wants the community to have access to him in the hotel, backstage. It's no longer about the money," Diego Lima told Ag Fight.
But not everyone wants this support…
If Charles values the warmth of the crowd, other names in Brazilian MMA prefer to distance themselves from local pressure and are not afraid to say so publicly.
In an interview with Ag Fight, Paulo borrachinha stated that he prefers to deal with criticism rather than applause from Brazilian fans. The Minas Gerais native added that fans seem "desperate for idols" and that the sport is global, not dependent on national acceptance.
"I don't want their support, no. The more hate, the better. [...] I don't need the Brazilian public," the Minas Gerais native said.
The featherweight (up to 65,7 kg) also had his say. Jean Silva, who after receiving criticism for difficulties in cutting weight and for his behavior, got straight to the point.
"Most of them are jerks. [...] I'm not a big fan of fighting in Brazil, to be quite honest," he declared, also in an interview with the outlet.
Support or pressure?
Charles' return to Brazil is surrounded by anticipation. Today, alongside Alex Poatán, is the most popular name in Brazilian MMA. But his prominence comes with a price: he enters the octagon pressured to respond after failing to regain his belt.
On the other side will be Raphael Fiziev, perhaps unknown to the general public, but extremely dangerous. The Kyrgyz-born Azeri is one of the most technical strikers in the division and, in June, returned to winning ways in UFC Baku, ending a three-game losing streak. At the time, he passed the promise Ignatius Bahamondes.
Charles of the Bronx's return to the national stage
The last time Charles fought in Brazil was on March 14, 2020, at UFC Brasilia, when finished Kevin Lee with a guillotine choke in the third round. The victory, however, came in a completely empty gym, in the UFC's first event without an audience due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
On that occasion, he broke the record for most submissions in UFC history and was awarded the Performance of the Night bonus.
You need login To comment.