Lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg.) of Ultimate for almost a year, Charles of the Bronx gained a strong supporter for his next title defense. Former owner of the category belt, Rafael dos Anjos bet that his compatriot will be successful in the confrontation against Justin gaethje No. UFC 274, and explains why. In an exclusive interview with SUPER FIGHTS, RDA pointed out gaps in the North American style and praised the São Paulo native’s moment.
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“Charles is an experienced kid. He won, lost, fought in two categories. He learned a lot from his defeats. That caused all this chaos. He is dangerous and is in a very good moment. Fighter is time. I see him fighting intelligently against Justin gaethje. I don’t see him losing this fight,” he stated.
A great expert on the category he led between 2015 and 2016, Dos Anjos then analyzed Do Bronx's opponent. For the former champion, the North American has flaws that could allow his compatriot to have an advantage.
“From what I know of Justin gaethje, he's a guy who doesn't train ground. He plays an anti-game so the guy doesn't get knocked over. Do Bronx manages to take down, will take the back and finish. He has great chances. Charles, the way he fought against the Dustin poirier, he went with his head half still. He took some firm blows, knockdown. You can't give this chance to Justin gaethje. He's a tough guy. If Charles learned from that fight (against Poirier), he will certainly come up with a better strategy. Charles is under no pressure. He comes in happy,” he concluded.
On May 7, Do Bronx will seek his second title defense. Gaethje, in turn, will have a second opportunity to assume the lightweight throne. In the first chance, the North American ended up submitting by Khabib Nurmagomedov, in 2020, in the confrontation to unify the title.
