C. From the Bronx in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
It's a day to celebrate. This Tuesday (17), the Brazilian Charles of the Bronx turns 34 years old. A popular phenomenon in MMA, the São Paulo native celebrates his birthday in the midst of the best phase of his career as a fighter.
See too
To honor the UFC star, the SUPER FIGHTS recalls remarkable moments of the São Paulo native, who led the organization's lightweight division (up to 70,3kg) between 2021 and 2022 and, today, is battling to regain the absolute top spot in the group.
1) Charles do Bronx 'walks' against Tony Ferguson
Charles of the Bronx overcame Tony Ferguson in 2020. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
The year was 2020 and Do Bronx boasted an undefeated streak of seven positive results. On the rise in the group and on the radar for a future title fight, Charles was chosen to face Tony Ferguson, division legend and former interim champion in the group.
In the confrontation, the Brazilian ignored his rival's history of success and performed a true 'monologue' in the octagon, nullifying the 'Bogeyman' in a brilliant performance. After three rounds, the São Paulo native was declared the winner in a unanimous decision by the judges and the only reason he didn't win by submission was because the North American refused to submit in an adjusted armbar.
2) Charles do Bronx reaches consecration
C. Do Bronx displays the belt won after the knockout over M. Chandler in the UFC 262. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Do Bronx's emblematic performances left the UFC with no alternatives. After massacring Ferguson, the Brazilian would end up competing for the vacant lightweight title. The rival: Michael chandler, a Bellator legend who had recently arrived at the company.
In the fight, which took place in 2021, Charles performed in his best style: with a lot of emotion. After coming close to being knocked out in the first round, the Tupiniquim star overcame the difficulties and, with an overwhelming knockout, took his opponent to the canvas in the second stage, writing his name in the history of Ultimate and wearing the belt of the most contested category in the organization.
3) Dustin Poirier becomes a statistic against Charles do Bronx
C. Do Bronx defeated D. Poirier in the UFC 269. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
About seven months after the biggest achievement of his MMA career, Do Bronx had his first title defense confirmed. The athlete was scheduled to face Dustin poirier, former interim champion and who, that same season, had caused two defeats over Conor McGregor.
Favorite in the bookmakers, the 'Diamante' was no match for the Brazilian and succumbed to the champion. Sharp boxing was not enough to stop the complexity and versatility of the Brazilian star. With a submission in the third round, the Brazilian gave another show to sports fans.
4) Nightmare and redemption at UFC 274
C. do Bronx submitted J. Gaethje in the UFC 274 (Photo: Instagram/UFC)
protagonist in UFC 274, From the Bronx went from hell to heaven in just over 24 hours. On the eve of his second title defense, this time in 2022, the Brazilian ended up losing the title after failing to make the weight cut. Days later, it was confirmed that the scale used by the São Paulo native was out of calibration, which influenced the process. Even with an error recognized by the Ultimate board, the Tupiniquim did not have his belt returned.
Destitute, the confrontation against Justin gaethje would guarantee the winner the chance to fight for the category's vacant throne. Facing one of the group's greatest knockout artists, Charles' star shone again. With a new finish, the São Paulo native qualified to fight for the absolute top of the division.
5) Setback against Islam Makhachev and new comeback
Charles of the Bronx applies knockout to Beneil Dariush No. UFC 289. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
At the end of 2020, Charles was scheduled to face Islam makhachev for the vacant lightweight title. At the 'opponent's home', the Brazilian ended up overtaken by the Russian star and momentarily moved away from his dream of resuming the top spot in the category.
After months of well-deserved rest, Do Bronx returned to action. At the beginning of 2023, the athlete took on the challenge of facing Beneil Dariush, a talent from 'Kings MMA', who was going through a long period of invincibility and was asking for a ticket towards a clash for the throne.
Against the North American, the Brazilian proved to have recovered from his stumble against the Russian star and massacred his opponent in the first round with an apotheotic performance. The new show guaranteed the Brazilian a new chance to fight for the belt.
6) The future of the star
Charles of the Bronx after victory in UFC 289. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @UFC
No UFC 294, From the Bronx he would return to Abu Dhabi and, a year after the adverse result against Makhachev, he would try to reverse the setback. Around 10 days before the clash, however, the São Paulo native ended up suffering a cut on his eyebrow that ended up determining his departure from the show.
Today, Charles is in first place in the division rankings. The athlete remains a prestigious name and awaits the outcome of the clash between Islam and his replacement, Alexander Volkanovsky, to define the next step in his successful career.
Curiosity
D. Lima (left) poses with C. Do Bronx and the belt won in the UFC 262. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
October 17th is not just about celebrating the lives of Charles of the Bronx. On the same date, interestingly enough, Diego Lima, mentor and one of those largely responsible for the lightweight star's success in MMA, also celebrates his birthday.
The team at SUPER FIGHTS congratulates and thanks Do Bronx and Lima for their achievements within the sport. Brazil is proud to carry and value our colors to the world.
You need login To comment.