Charles do Bronx before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/charlesdobronxs
Scheduled to fight for an unprecedented title at UFC 326 on March 7th, Charles do Bronx is facing a decisive moment in his career. The Brazilian revealed that he considered retirement after suffering his first knockout loss. The former lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) said he had a serious conversation with his wife about the possibility of ending his MMA career.
In an interview, 'Do Bronx' said that the emotional impact of his knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in June 2025 at UFC 317 was a determining factor in his moment of doubt. According to the fighter, he felt a sense of accomplishment in the sport.
“When I lost to Ilia Topuria , I had never been knocked out before. That hurt too much. I told my wife that I thought it was over. That I had done everything I needed to do in this sport,” revealed the Brazilian.
Charles Oliveira considered retirement after his KO loss to Ilia Topuria , as he was happy with what he had accomplished in the sport:
"When I lost to Ilia Topuria . I had never been knocked out. That shit hurt like hell. I told my wife I think it's over. I think I've done… pic.twitter.com/REliDjeGBp
— Full Violence™ (@Full_Violence) February 28, 2026
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Months later, 'Do Bronx' recovered by defeating Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Rio in October 2025. Now, the Brazilian will have the chance to win an unprecedented title and even the score against Max Holloway , his opponent on March 7th. The two first faced each other in August 2015, with the Hawaiian winning.
This time, the scenario is different: it's a duel between two former Ultimate champions, with Holloway defending the symbolic 'BMF' belt, while 'Do Bronx' tries to prove that he has evolved since their first encounter and remains at a high level in the organization. Check out the UFC 326 fight card below (subject to change).
UFC 326 fight schedule
MAIN CARD (from 23pm)
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira – Title fight
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Caio Borralho x Reinier De Ridder
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Rob Font vs. Raul Rosas Jr.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Drew Dober vs. Michael Johnson
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Gregory Rodrigues x Brunno Ferreira
PRELIMINARY CARD (from 19pm)
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Cody Garbrandt vs. Xiao Long
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Donte Johnson vs. Dusko Todorovic
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Ricky Turcios x Alberto Montes
Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Cody Durden x Nyamjargal Tumendemberel
Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Sumudaerji x Jesus Aguilar
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Joosang Yoo x Gaston Bolanos
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Luke Fernandez vs. Rodolfo Bellato
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
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