Summary
Charles do Bronx after his victory at UFC 289. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Charles of the Bronx He may be very close to regaining the top spot in the lightweight division (up to 70,3kg) or, definitively, ending his career in the sport. The Brazilian will face off against... Max Holloway In the main event of UFC 326, in a duel valid for the 'BMF' belt. For the 'Bold Lion', the confrontation also represents a possible passport to a dispute for the division's linear belt, or even to retirement.
It's no secret that Charles' main motivation for continuing to fight is the conviction that he can still be UFC champion. In an appearance on the 'Overdogs Brasil' podcast, before his fight against Ilia...
Topuria, Do Bronx, revealed that he will continue competing as long as he maintains his passion for what he does. Unlike the beginning of his career, he states that today he no longer fights out of financial necessity, but out of love for the sport.
“As long as I feel like it, I’ll keep doing it. I like it, I feel alive. When it takes too long to schedule my fight, I get anxious. Today, thank God, it’s not about the money anymore. I live well, I have a wonderful family. In the past, money was a necessity,” he said from the Bronx.
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However, in an interview with 'Full Violence', the troubled Lion admitted that the emotional impact of the knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in June 2025 at UFC 317 was decisive in a moment of doubt. According to the fighter, the feeling after the setback was one of a job well done 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.
If he suffers another defeat, this time to Max Holloway at UFC 326, the scenario could become even more complicated. Given the current state of the division, Charles' chances of fighting for the title again would drop drastically and, consequently, the possibility of him retiring would gain strength.
If he doesn't get his arm raised, the Brazilian could fall to the back of the pack in the title race. Ahead of him would be Holloway and Arman Tsarukyan , both with victories over him, as well as the champion Ilia Topuria , who has also beaten the São Paulo native.
Charles Oliveira could jump the queue and fight for the UFC belt.
C. Do Bronx displays the belt he won after knocking out M. Chandler at UFC 262. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
While a defeat could mean the end, a victory could bring Charles Oliveira very close to his dream of regaining the belt. With Ilia Topuria lined up to face Justin Gaethje in a unification bout for both the undisputed and interim titles, the Brazilian would essentially have Arman Tsarukyan as his direct competitor in the title race.
The Armenian, however, is experiencing a turbulent time behind the scenes with Dana White and, according to the UFC president, is temporarily out of the title picture until he proves he deserves another opportunity . In this scenario, a victory at UFC 326 could put Do Bronx back in the center of the lightweight title fight.
Charles Oliveira is the underdog against Max Holloway at UFC 326.
Holloway and Charles face off at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
Although Brazilian fans are confident, Charles do Bronx is considered the underdog by bettors for the UFC 326 fight. According to Stake , the São Paulo native has odds of 2,60, representing a return of R$26 for every R$10 wagered. Max Holloway, on the other hand , is the favorite, with odds of 1,50, equivalent to a return of R$15 for every R$10 invested in his victory.
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