From the Bronx rules out a possible confrontation with Khabib and provokes the former champion: 'He's been talking a lot of nonsense'

C. From the Bronx (right) responded to Khabib's provocations (left) (Photo: Montage/Super Fights)

After seeing the Russian Islam makhachev be confirmed as your next opponent, Charles of the Bronx is aware that he will have to deal with comparisons and speculations about a possible duel with his rival's personal friend, Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, in an exclusive interview with SUPER FIGHTS, the moral lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg) ruled out the chance of sharing the Octagon with the former belt owner, but did not fail to provoke him about some statements made in the press.

READ MORE: Charles do Bronx faces Islam Makhachev at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi

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“I really think that Khabib is never coming back. He stopped because of his father. If that's true, he won't come back because of his religion and because he's too much of a man. When you set your mind to something, you have to be a real man. I, Charles, wouldn't come back and I think Khabib is also a very man and won't come back. If it comes back and the UFC really wants this fight, we certainly want it too, but we have to talk about money. We have to think not just about fighting, but about how much will end up in the bill”, said Do Bronx.

The Brazilian praised the former lightweight champion's career, but harshly criticized the 'provocative style' that the Russian adopted after he decided to hang up his gloves.

“29-0, a guy who made everything happen, made a huge impression, deserves all the respect in the world. A guy who never needed to talk to sell fights and now to be able to sell a fight is talking a lot of nonsense. We have to laugh and stop for a bit. Take all of Khabib's latest guesses about me and look what happened. If he is gambling, he is losing money. Stop wasting money and give the money to me. Once again he is wrong in what he is saying, once again he is making a huge guess about something that is crazy. Islam deserves all the respect in the world, but he is facing the problem of division called Charles Oliveira. What Islam does best, I am the greatest finisher in history. He (Khabib) has to stop talking for a while. I have all the respect for him for the history he made, but I think he's talking a lot of unnecessary nonsense”, concluded the Brazilian.

After having his belt taken away in a controversial weigh-in before his last fight, Charles will now fight for the vacant title against the Russian Islam makhachev. The duel will take place at UFC 280, scheduled for October 22nd. The show will be held in Abu Dhabi (UAE).