C. do Bronx (left) and J. Gaethje (right) face each other in the UFC 274. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage
Next Saturday (7), two of the best lightweights (up to 70,3kg) in the world will collide in the main fight of the UFC 274. Greatest finisher in Ultimate history, Charles of the Bronx tries to defend his title for the second time against the American and knockout artist Justin gaethje.
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In addition to the technical balance of the two athletes, a special ingredient makes the fight even more attractive: their different 'strengths'. Coming from jiu-jitsu, Do Bronx submitted 20 opponents in his 32 career victories, while Gaethje – although he had a successful stint in Wrestling – took 19 rivals to the canvas during his 23 victories in MMA.
Duel of styles
To reach the top of the world in an organization like the UFC, it is necessary to be, above all, complete in all martial arts practices. Still, inevitably, the predominant style makes a difference in whether fighters can excel in certain areas. And that's when Charles draws attention to the 'most feared ground' in the 70,3kg division. of current times.
Owner of a vast arsenal that includes calf locks, hand triangles and rear naked chokes, Do Bronx is the greatest finisher in the history of the organization, with 15 in total. He also achieved the status of fighter who won the most via the fast track, totaling 18, including renowned athletes such as Dustin poirier, Michael chandler, Kevin Lee e Jim Miller.
Justin gaethje He doesn't have the same achievements as his opponent, but he impresses with his career achievements. The greatest knockout artist in the history of the WSOF (currently PFL), the American knocked out nine opponents during his time in the organization and maintained his style in Ultimate fights.
With six victories in nine fights, he managed to take five competitors to the canvas, – Tony Ferguson, Donald Cerrone, Edson Barboza, James Vick and Michael Johnson, in addition to the historic battle against Michael chandler, which could have ended before the judges' decision, if the 'Iron' could not withstand the number of blows delivered.
Complete fighters
Even though they have different characteristics, Charles and Justin are fighters who also know how to behave in other areas of the game. The Brazilian had, for many, one of the greatest evolutions in the history of the sport, where he managed to go from being almost one-dimensional to showing talent in striking, adjusted by the valued 'Chute Boxe' academy. And it was precisely in the stand-up fight where he won the division's vacant belt by knocking out, with a left, Michael chandler.
The challenger also has an excellent game in grappling, although he doesn't use it as often in MMA. Coming from Wrestling, Gaethje reached the 1st division of the NCAA (the sport's main university league in the United States). He is even in the University of Colorado's 'Hall of Fame' for his achievements in Greco-Roman wrestling.
The adaptation to martial arts was successful, as the athlete gave the 'three slaps' in withdrawal only against Khabib Nurmagomedov, precisely due to the linear belt of the organization.
Athletes' history
Do Bronx won the belt with a knockout victory over Michael chandler, in May 2021. Subsequently, the Brazilian successfully defended his title for the first time by finishing Dustin poirier with a rear naked choke in the third round of the main fight of UFC 269. His record has 32 wins and eight losses.
Gaethje, in turn, is placed first in the lightweight rankings, just behind the Brazilian. The former interim champion of the division qualified as the next title challenger with a victory over Michael chandler No. UFC 268. He has a record of 23 triumphs and three setbacks.
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