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

Charles do Bronx proudly displays his BMF belt alongside his son. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

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Virna Jandiroba is not happy with the comments regarding the use of grappling in the UFC. The strawweight (up to 52,1 kg) defended athletes like Charles do Bronx , who is known for using the discipline 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 Oliveira and Max Holloway together after UFC 326. Photo: Reproduction/X

Although Charles Oliveira also took advantage of the stand-up fight with low kicks and punches, it was on the ground that the new champion 'BMF' dominated . A jiu-jitsu specialist, the 'Flavoured Lion' took Max Holloway down on several occasions, neutralizing the Hawaiian's sharp boxing. Due to a greater focus on grappling than striking, fighters and fans criticized the Brazilian , expressing dissatisfaction with how the fight was conducted.

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