Charles Oliveira fires back at Conor McGregor, saying the Irishman chose the 'easy way out' at UFC 329.

Charles promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Conor McGregor 's return to the octagon is surrounded by expectations, but Charles do Bronx doesn't hide his distrust of the Irishman's choices for his comeback. In the view of the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg), 'The Notorious' chose to face Max Holloway at UFC 329 , scheduled for July 11th in Las Vegas (USA), because he considers the Hawaiian a more accessible opponent than the Brazilian.

In an interview with the American website MMA Fighting, Charles was direct in commenting on the decision of the former two-time champion of the organization. According to the Brazilian, McGregor avoided a possible confrontation with him by accepting the fight against Holloway. In 'Do Bronx's' assessment, the star saw in the former featherweight champion (up to 65,7kg) a more favorable opponent for his return to the octagon after years of inactivity.

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"The truth is, he ran away from me. He chose Max because he thinks he can beat Max. He chose him because he thought it was the easiest way out," the Brazilian exclaimed.

Despite the provocation, Charles acknowledged that the Irishman's firepower remains a cause for concern. According to the Chute Boxe fighter, the first few minutes of the fight tend to favor the former double champion, known for his explosive knockouts early in fights.

“It’s a complicated fight because it’s been a long time since he’s been in the cage. Five years without fighting. However, it’s Conor. If he connects, he’ll knock you out. I think the first and second rounds have a lot in his favor,” analyzed the third-ranked lightweight.

On the other hand, the former champion believes Holloway can take control of the fight if he manages to survive the initial pressure. Possessing one of the best physical conditioning levels in the organization, the Hawaiian usually increases his pace as the rounds progress, a characteristic that could become decisive against an opponent who hasn't competed in years.

A victory for the Irishman would immediately put him back among the leading contenders in the division. Meanwhile, a triumph for the former featherweight champion would further solidify his legacy and pave the way for even greater challenges within the organization.

Period of inactivity increases pressure on McGregor

Conor McGregor in the octagon. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/brwlrz

At 37 years old, McGregor is trying to end a drought that has lasted more than six years. His last victory was in January 2020, when he defeated Donald Cerrone in just 40 seconds. Since then, the Irishman has suffered two consecutive defeats to Dustin Poirier and has not competed again after suffering a serious leg fracture during a fight in July 2021.

The long period away from the sport has transformed the duel against Holloway into one of the most important moments of his recent career. A victory could put the former champion back among the organization's top topics, while another defeat would increase doubts about his ability to compete at a high level.

Historic reunion headlines UFC 329

UFC 329 will be headlined by the highly anticipated rematch between two of the most popular fighters of their generation. When they first faced off in 2013, both were still seeking their place in the organization. Almost thirteen years later, they come to the fight as former champions and protagonists of some of the most memorable moments in the event's recent history.

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