Charles do Bronx assured that he does not intend to retire and explained why he accepted the main event fight at UFC Rio, scheduled for October 11, 2025. In an interview with 'The Ariel Helwani Show', the Brazilian highlighted that he still feels motivated and that there is much more to come in his career.
"I don't even think about it. I don't feel the slightest desire to stop. I feel good, I'm doing well in everything I've been doing, but it's not my time to retire. There's a lot to happen. As long as you feel pleasure and excitement in what you're doing, you have to keep doing it. I'm still alive, and I feel like there's a lot to happen. I'm still in the game," Charles stated.
The fighter, who questioned his future after his knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 , said that the feeling of giving up didn't last long. According to him, the support of his team, family, and fans was crucial in renewing his motivation. His coach, Diego Lima, also dismissed any retirement rumors and revealed that three fights have already been pre-negotiated for 2026.
UFC Rio marks Charles' return to the octagon in Brazil, where he will face Rafael Fiziev . According to Diego, the decision to fight in the country was entirely the Brazilian's, who wanted to perform in front of a Brazilian audience, especially those who cannot travel to watch his fights. The Kyrgyz fighter, in turn, stated that he could not refuse the invitation.
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