Diego Lima rules out Charles do Bronx's retirement at UFC Rio and projects three fights for 2026

Diego Lima (left) next to Charles of the Bronx (dir). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @diegolimacb

In the midst of preparation for UFC Rio, Charles of the Bronx remains firm in his career continuity plan and is already projecting a full calendar for 2026 before even facing Raphael Fiziev. The Brazilian's coach, Diego Lima, ruled out any possibility of retirement and revealed that the goal is to have three fights next year.

"Our goal is to have three fights next year. We already have three pre-arranged fights, to be honest. It all depends on the outcome. We know that a setback will set us back a bit, but looking at the best-case scenario, which is victories, we've pre-planned. So, (Charles retiring) is completely out of the question," Lima said in an interview with the PVT portal.

See too

Walter Walker is scheduled to face the brother of a former champion at UFC Rio

Fighter assaulted by son of former UFC champion seen for the first time since hospitalization

Poatan's former rival suggests contract signed after Johnny Walker's UFC challenge

Charles of the Bronx comes off a knockout defeat to Ilia Topuria No. UFC 317, on June 28. Now, the Brazilian is preparing for a main event at UFC Rio, scheduled for October 11, at Farmasi Arena, Barra da Tijuca.

It will be his first fight at home in five years since 2020, in front of the Brazilian public, against the dangerous Raphael FizievThe Kyrgyz, in turn, is looking to enter the top 10 in the lightweight category.