Charles and Diego Lima attend a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/charlesdobronxs
Charles do Bronx was right to choose UFC Rio, held last Saturday (11), as the stage for his return to the octagon. The Brazilian finished Mateusz Gamrot in the second round and recovered from the brutal knockout suffered against Ilia Topuria at UFC 317. Despite criticism for the quick return, Diego Lima, leader of the Chute Boxe team, guarantees that everything was part of the former champion's plan.
In an exclusive interview with SUPER LUTAS, Diego Lima revealed that Charles do Bronx 's motivation to fight at UFC Rio came from the messages of support he received from fans after his loss to Ilia Topuria . According to the coach, the former champion believed he would be unbeatable in front of the Brazilian crowd.
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"After that result, what motivated Charles were the messages of affection, love, and respect. As soon as the UFC announced it, he said, 'Lima, I need to fight for my people, I need to fight for Brazil.' We sat down, talked, and he said, 'No one will stop me in Brazil with that energy. It won't just be me fighting; it will be millions of people all at once in front of Fiziev (his original opponent).' So it was beautiful, it was perfect, it was God's will," said Diego Lima.
Diego Lima highlighted that Charles do Bronx 's decision to fight in Brazil was driven by the passion of the public, stating that, even with criticism, the goal was always to reciprocate the affection of the Brazilian fans.
"When he chose to fight in Brazil, we already knew it would be exciting, we knew it would be huge. Many people criticized it for being a Fight Night, for being so recent since his last fight, but we know that what we do is for Brazil, for these wonderful people who welcome and embrace us," said the coach.
With his victory over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Rio, Charles Oliveira reached 36 career wins and extended his record as the UFC's all-time leading finisher with 17 submission victories. Furthermore, the Brazilian also holds the record for most submissions in the event's history, now totaling 21 wins by stoppage.
After a great victory at UFC Rio, Diego Lima spoke exclusively to SUPER LUTAS about his analysis of Charles do Bronx 's performance and recalled the confidence he had the day before the event when he watched his pupil with blood in his eyes. pic.twitter.com/XJOL6bGVuy
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