Allied with Charles Oliveira, a top 3 strawweight fighter, slams criticism of grappling in the UFC.

Charles of the Bronx She proudly displays her BMF belt alongside her son. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

Virna jandiroba She is not happy with the comments regarding the use of grappling in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The strawweight (up to 52,1 kg) came out in defense of athletes such as Charles of the Bronx, which is characterized by the use of the modality in the octagon. The Brazilian described the move as "sad and absurd" and expressed concern about the direction the sport may take in the coming years.

In an interview with journalist Guilherme Cruz, from the American website 'MMA Fighting', the Bahia native, who also specializes in grappling, pointed out that the excessive emphasis on entertainment can end up overshadowing the essence of MMA. According to her, the growing criticism of ground fighting is not recent and is becoming a trend within the UFC.

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“I’ve been noticing this for a while now. In fact, it’s a trend in the UFC. I think it’s going to become more and more common. It didn’t start now, it’s been happening for some time. It’s a shame, because this is MMA, you know? It’s MMA, not a kickboxing fight.”

Of course I understand and agree that we need to always be active, whether on the ground or standing. This activity, this combativeness, has to be the rule. But how will it be then? Otherwise, it ceases to be MMA. I find that absurd. Honestly, I find it very sad and absurd.

We are increasingly moving towards entertainment, and I think we are going to lose a lot of excellence. Fighters we've seen, like Anderson Silva and Demian Maia, the level of excellence of those athletes, of José Aldo... Amanda nunes And others, I think that's being left behind in favor of entertainment. And that's a great shame.

"Of course, it's a mix of being who I am and keeping my job. That's important, right? It's a balance, but I know criticism may come. That's also part of it. I hope to be able to keep my job until I retire and adapt as much as possible. Now, becoming a striker, that's for sure. If it depends on that, unfortunately it won't happen," Virna stated.

# UFCVegas115's Virna jandiroba sounds off on “sad and absurd” anti-grappling criticism in #UFC:

“It's MMA, not a kickboxing match. … We're moving more and more toward entertainment, and I think we're going to lose a lot of excellence.”

(🎥 @guicruzzz) pic.twitter.com/UJgBWg8tQ1

— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) April 1, 2026

Why was Charles Oliveira criticized in his fight against Max Holloway?

Charles of the Bronx e Max Holloway together after UFC 326. Photo: Reproduction/X

even though Charles of the Bronx Although he also took advantage of the stand-up fighting moments, with low kicks and punches, it was on the ground that he... The new 'BMF' champion dominated.. A jiu-jitsu specialist, the 'Blurred Lion' took down Max Holloway On several occasions, neutralizing the Hawaiian's refined boxing. Due to a greater focus on grappling than striking, Fighters and fans attacked the Brazilian., expressing dissatisfaction with the way the fight was conducted.