C. From the Bronx in a photo shoot for UFC 269. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc_brasil
The history of Charles of the Bronx It is, in fact, a beautiful Hollywood script in which not even the best directors would be able to give the same hint of suffering and redemption in the career of a professional mixed martial arts athlete. Today, in addition to being the greatest finisher in Ultimate (14) of all time, the Brazilian is also preparing to defend his lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg.) against Dustin poirier, in the main fight of the UFC 269 next Saturday (11).
See too
However, the return to the title was not the easiest to count. Unlike his debut in 2010, Charles was wavering in Ultimate when, in December 2017, he faced off against Paul felder. The stage was not good, as he had three setbacks in the last five fights and, against the North American, Do Bronx ended up defeated in the second round of the duel.
What was seen that night at UFC 218 was much more than just a new defeat – being the eighth of his career –, but the emergence of a Charles of the Bronx different, willing to make history. The first step, in fact, was in his penalty area, with submissions over the veteran Clay guida e Christos Giagos, in São Paulo, his state, to break the record for the most submissions in the organization's history.
A COMPLETE FIGHTER
C. Do Bronx (left) delivers a hard knockout to J. Gordon (right). Photo: Reproduction/Facebook UFC
The Brazilian's 'flagship' was, yes, jiu-jitsu. But it would be heresy to say that it was limited only to the modality. And although he took revenge on Jim Miller and David Teymur, it was time to show that the 'father was there' also in striking. In the fight that marked the third chapter of his rivalry with Nick Lentz, the lightweight remained on the feet and, with a straight shot, knocked out his opponent.
There was still a lot left. After the fight, still in an interview in the Octagon, Charles of the Bronx I knew I could do (and did, right?) much more. He called for UFC president, Dana White, to 'throw' into the fire with a top 5 in the division. The distrust as to whether the Brazilian could be among the best led the organization to place him against Jared gordon. The result? Another hit. This time in the first round, to the delight of São Paulo residents.
BACK TO THE ORIGINS
C. Do Bronx surpassed K. Lee in the UFC Brasilia. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc
In March 2020, Do Bronx was close to a new public presentation in Brasília. However, shortly before the card was held, the event had to take place without the presence of its fans due to the growth in the number of COVID-19 cases. And, in fact, they missed applauding the performance of the Tupiniquim representative against Kevin Lee.
Charles' new style, which combined an adjusted stand-up game, made his opponent make the worst possible decision. After clear technical dominance during two rounds, the Brazilian landed a high kick that shook the North American and, at the same time, saw him get into the legs with an attempted takedown. It was everything he wanted. To show that he had not forgotten the teachings in the 'noble art', the black belt fitted an adjusted guillotine and just waited for Lee to give the 'three slaps' before he left celebrating in the octagon.
'BOGGYMAN'? WHAT NOTHING…
C. Do Bronx had an impeccable performance against T. Ferguson in the UFC 256. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
On a streak of seven straight wins, Charles of the Bronx was approaching a title fight. However, to do so, he needed to overcome the great 'bogeyman' of the lightweight division (up to 70,3kg.) and arrived as an underdog for the fight against Tony Ferguson. Wait, there was so little left and with so many tests in his career, would he stop now? Never…
With complete dominance, the Brazilian went to great lengths to 'knead' the North American during three rounds to leave no doubt that he would have to fight for the vacant belt, after the retirement of Khabib Nurmagomedov. And, according to him, anyone could come, as long as they were ready.
REDEMPTION!
C. Do Bronx made history in UFC 262 and won the vacant lightweight title. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
It was time for consecration. After overcoming many difficulties in his tough career, Do Bronx had the chance to become lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg). And, as always, he arrived as an underdog for the fight against former Bellator title holder, Michael Chander.
It wouldn't be easy, right? Charles had to endure punishment from the North American in the first round and then recover with a brutal knockout in the opening seconds of the second round. The favela, in fact, won. The boy from Guarujá's dream was fulfilled and he was, indeed, the lightweight champion.
NEW CHAPTER OF THE STORY
C. do Bronx and D. Poirier face to face after the press conference (Photo: Reproduction/Youtube)
An underdog and often underestimated, the Brazilian defends the lightweight title for the first time in UFC 269. The opponent, Dustin poirier, defeated Conor McGregor in the last two fights and arrives well for the fight. It's time for a new show. The 'father' is ready. But what is the new chapter to be written? The time has come to follow…
You need login To comment.