Charles do Bronx's rival says he doesn't mind boos at UFC Rio: 'Chance to beat your boy'

Rival of Charles of the Bronx, Raphael Fiziev, entering a UFC fight. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC Brazil

Raphael Fiziev is ready to face one of the biggest idols of Brazilian MMA in hostile territory and doesn't seem the least bit worried about it. In an interview with the 'Home of Fight' channel, the Kyrgyz fighter stated that he doesn't mind being booed by the Brazilian fans at UFC Rio, scheduled for October 11th at Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro.

Fiziev faces Charles in the main event of the event, and is already preparing to take on the role of the night's "villain." According to him, fighting the home favorite motivates him even more.

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"It's good. I fought for the first time with a lot of support. I like it, but I like it more when people aren't behind me. For me, it's like, 'Now I have a great chance to beat your kid.' And they have a chance to start respecting and loving me. It motivates me more. I don't like too much fan support; it can make you relax," said the Kazakh.

Fiziev's provocation comes amid great anticipation for the return of Charles of the Bronx to Brazil. Former lightweight champion, the São Paulo native returns to fight in front of the Rio fans in one of the most anticipated events on the UFC calendar. Proof of this was the high demand for tickets: tickets for UFC Rio sold out just hours after sales began last Wednesday (20).

At 31, Raphael Fiziev comes from a sequence of ups and downs in the lightweight division, but maintains his name among the top names in the category. Already Charles of the Bronx seeks to recover from the defeat suffered by Ilia Topuria, in a title fight, in UFC 317.