Last Saturday (16), Ultimate finally defined the future of the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg), confirming the long-awaited meeting between Charles of the Bronx e Islam makhachev as the main fight of UFC 280, in Abu Dhabi, on October 22nd. The duel marks the fight for the division's belt, which has been vacant since the controversial UFC 276, in May, when the Brazilian was stripped of the title after problems with the scales at the official weigh-in.
In an exclusive interview with the SUPER FIGHTS on Youtube, Charles of the Bronx talked about the fight, preached respect for Islam makhachev, but said he was confident about any scenario that could be presented by the Russian in the duel on October 22nd.
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“He deserves all the respect in the world. He comes from ten consecutive victories and it's no surprise, but we have to talk about weight. Take my last 11 fights and look at the last 11 names. I have the firepower in my hands. My striking is better than his and in what he does best, I'm just the greatest finisher in UFC history. Just stop and think,” said Do Bronx.
For Charles of the Bronx, the plan of “smashing” opponents used by Islam makhachev on his UFC winning streak will have no effect on him.
“I think he's been showing that he only has one plan and that's to put everyone down, knead from start to finish and try to get into the finishing position. But if you take all the last names he faced, they are stand-up guys who were scared to death of being taken down. In reality, it's not up to me to speak, but rather you to put it on the scale. Put the names I picked up with the names he picked up, what he does best with what I know how to do best, how much firepower I have and if he has it and you'll see how the fight fits together.” , replied the former champion.
Lastly, Charles of the Bronx he reiterated his respect for Makhachev, but sent a message to the Russian, reinforcing that he is a “problem for the division” and that “the lightweight champion is called Charles Oliveira”, classic phrases that have already become his “catchphrases”.
“With all the respect in the world, I'm still the same Charles, with my feet on the ground, but I'm the problem with this division. This is the reality. I impress the guys at the top and bottom. They feel uncomfortable when they are around me. The lightweight champion is called Charles Oliveira. I'm the problem with this division. I respect Islam a lot, but I have firepower in my hands. If he thinks he has a good game of putting him down, he better be careful, because he's throwing the greatest finisher in UFC history down. I have no problem with being put down,” he concluded.
