Diego Lima (left) next to Charles do Bronx (right). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @diegolimacb
With less than a month to go until UFC Rio, Charles do Bronx is without an opponent for his highly anticipated appearance in the Marvelous City on October 11th. With Rafael Fiziev withdrawing after the Kazakh fighter claimed a training injury, there is anticipation that a new rival will be found quickly for the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg) to face.
Despite the suspenseful scenario, Do Bronx further heightens the drama by claiming that many athletes who requested the opportunity to face him ended up declining when questioned by the officials. In a recent statement, the fighter showed no enthusiasm for facing Mateusz Gamrot or Manuel Torres , who is currently unranked.
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Amidst numerous questions and anxiety from fans about who will be officially announced as the São Paulo native's opponent, Diego Lima posted a cryptic photo on his Instagram story, featuring the flags of the United Kingdom, Armenia, and Mexico, along with a thoughtful emoji. Even without mentioning anything related to UFC Rio, netizens began suggesting that the coach was dropping hints about his protégé's upcoming fight.
Diego Lima's Instagram story post. Photo: Reproduction/Social Media
"Diego Lima just posted this riddle on his stories. Where are the detectives and investigators here?"
“Depending on who it is, the guys are going to go all out on Chute Boxe Diego Lima and Charles (and with good reason, okay?!)”
"Charles' coach posted three flags on Instagram. Paddy Pimblett ? Arman Tsarukyan ? Diego Lopes ?", the respective accounts on X inquired.
Names like Pimblett and Tsarukyan have not publicly stated their potential desire to face Charles on October 11th. Other fans have speculated that the Mexican flag may represent Manuel Torres . Despite the activity, neither Do Bronx's team nor the UFC have yet made any official statement about the fight.
Diego Lima just dropped this riddle on his stories. Where are the detectives and investigators here? #UFCBR | #MMA pic.twitter.com/AabPCWaLFN
— MMA Central (@acentraldomma) September 23, 2025
Pimblett and Tsarukyan are not coming to Brazil, not for fuck's sake!
Now, this Mexico team could be Diego Lopes (AWESOME) or… the unranked MANUEL “EL LOCO” TORRES…
Depending on who it is, people are going to come down hard on CBDL and Charles (rightfully so, okay?!) https://t.co/XaFoi7clQA
— Diego Lucio (@diego_lucio) September 23, 2025
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Paddy Pimblett ? Arman Tsarukyan ? Diego Lopes ? pic.twitter.com/fBnPDhBc7e
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 23, 2025
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