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

Rafael Fiziev , Charles Oliveira 's rival , entering his UFC fight. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC Brazil

PUBLICITY:

Rafael Fiziev is ready to face one of the biggest idols of Brazilian MMA in hostile territory and doesn't seem worried about it at all. In an interview with the 'Home of Fight' channel, the Kyrgyz fighter stated that he is not bothered by the possibility of being booed by the Brazilian crowd at UFC Rio, scheduled for October 11th at the 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 Charles do Bronx 's return to Brazil. The former lightweight champion, from São Paulo, will fight again in front of the Rio de Janeiro crowd at 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 within hours of going on sale last Wednesday (20).

At 31 years old, Rafael Fiziev has experienced a series of ups and downs in the lightweight division, but maintains his position among the top names in the category. Meanwhile, Charles Oliveira seeks to recover from his loss to Ilia Topuria in a title fight at UFC 317.

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