Video: At the top of MMA, Do Bronx opens up about difficulties before historic achievement: 'I thought about giving up'

Just over a week after the historic achievement in UFC 262, Charles of the Bronx remains ecstatic after conquering the world by overcoming Michael chandler and take over the lightweight throne (up to 70,3kg.). New champion of the group, the Brazilian opened the doors of his home and, exclusively to SUPER LUTAS YouTube channel, opened up about the biggest moment of his career. The São Paulo native also spoke about the difficulties in reaching the top of MMA and analyzed his future in the organization.

See too

Jon Jones reports difficulty in gaining muscle mass and should only make his heavyweight debut in 2022

Willing to regain his belt, Stipe Miocic aims for a trilogy against Francis Ngannou in the heavyweight division

Businessman confirms Dana White's proposal for a superfight between Khabib and MMA legend

Rory MacDonald criticizes the UFC and claims that not all of the organization's fighters are of a high level

Anyone who has followed Charles' career in the UFC since the beginning knows that the Brazilian didn't have an easy life until he reached his historic achievement on May 15th. To win the title, the São Paulo native went through ups and downs, but, warrior, the São Paulo native found himself, overcame the adversities and, today, proudly displays the belt desired by any MMA fighter.

'I thought about giving up'

There were 27 fights until Do Bronx finally won the right to fight for the organization's belt – the longest sequence of confrontations in the organization's history leading up to a title fight. In Ultimate since 2010, the Brazilian went through moments of instability and admitted that, at a certain point, he suspected that the 'gold' might not come.

“I already thought about giving up, right at the beginning. Looking back, I see how worth it was to go through everything I went through to get here. Everything I've been through sums up what I ask everyone today. People say: 'I want to be a fighter'. Are you willing to train? Today I ask: 'Are you willing to pay the price?'. It's not a low price. It's a very high price. When you're 'nobody', you have to leave your family, friends, party, wife, everything, in search of a dream. Just as I want it, there are two, three million more who want it. (…) When you start to shine, you become uncomfortable. Unfortunately, this is the bad thing about human beings. When you bother, there are people who don't want the best for you. (…) It’s a painful price”, he stated.

Title in the family: total emotion

From the historic conquest on May 15th to arrival in Brazil, it took less than 48 hours. Sleepless and greeted with a party at São Paulo airport, the champion spoke about the sensations reflected in the commotion of the public that received the athlete on Brazilian soil. The biggest emotion, however, was when the national highlight took the title into the hands of his father, Francisco Antônio da Silva.

“When we arrived in Guarujá (SP), a fire engine, thousands of people. My mother said: 'there are a lot of people to take photos with'. I said: 'Send up'. People hugging, crying, thanking us, the elderly woman saying that I was the 'new Ayrton Senna', the younger ones wanting to take the belt in their hands (…). When I stopped at home and my father was able to get (the title), a film from years ago started playing, my father saying that I was going to arrive, I was going to be champion. Everything we went through. (…) The people who said I would never arrive. (…) I started crying and remembering everything I went through to get here. (…) Today, we have a jewel in our hands. There are several sensations”, said the champion.

Error against Chandler

With a rocky path to the greatest achievement in his career, the road to possession of the belt could not be easy. Before the brutal knockout over Chandler in the UFC 262, Do Bronx scared the fans after a good moment from the opponent in the first round. Days after the duel, the Brazilian analyzed the confrontation and admitted a crucial error at the beginning of the challenge.

“I believed in my knockout in the first round. In the first round, I made a mistake. I don't walk backwards, like I said I wouldn't. But he hit and I blocked. When you just block, you are a Bob (dummy used for training). So, that's what I got wrong. When he (Chandler) threw (the blow) and I responded, that's what should have happened in the first round. When he plays, I respond. (…) He was 'dead'. If you hit me, you have to hit me hard, otherwise I won't fall. If I hit you, you feel it. (…) It’s a new era, a new Charles, number one in the world, champion,” he stated.

Next appointment

Although it is not certain, there is a good chance that the first challenger to the Do Bronx belt will be the winner of the trilogy between Dustin poirier e Conor McGregor. Regarding the athletes who will face each other on July 10, the champion analyzed the confrontation and revealed that he had no preference over his rival.

“In fact, since I joined the UFC, I have never chosen any opponent. I never fought for money. (…) Everyone knows that a fight against McGregor will give you money, visibility. I will continue the same way. 'Feet on the ground', humble, respectful. Whoever is going to come, come. (…) May the best win. They are two very tough guys. Dustin has been evolving a lot and Conor is a very 'naughty' guy. It’s going to be a ‘war,” he concluded.

At 31 years old, Do Bronx turned professional in MMA in 2008. To date, the Brazilian has a record of 40 appearances. Today, the São Paulo native has 31 victories, eight defeats and one 'no result' fight.