Ilia Topuria want to face Charles of the Bronx (Photo: Montage/SUPER FIGHTS)
Not in action since November 2024, Charles of the Bronx continues his campaign as the next challenger for the lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg). However, the recent rise in Ilia Topuria has raised questions about who should face who at the top of the UFC's most populous division.
In an interview with the 'KOLmenero' channel on YouTube, Charles made it clear that his focus is to win the lightweight title and, therefore, his main objective is to face the current champion, Islam makhachev. Although he recognizes Topuria's quality and respects him as an athlete, the Brazilian does not see him as a priority at the moment.
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“There are a lot of people talking a lot of things. But I am looking for the title, and the champion today is Islam makhachev. Topuria is a very tough guy and deserves all the respect in the world, but at the moment, I don't see it as a great fight. And, yes, since I'm chasing the title, I have to fight Makhachev to become champion,” said Do Bronx.
Do Bronx promises aggression if he faces Topuria
However, if the duel against Ilia Topuria happen, Charles of the Bronx stated that he already has a defined plan. The Brazilian guaranteed that he would maintain his aggressive style, moving forward all the time in search of the knockout.
“I would move forward, as I always have with everyone, knowing that he is a very tough guy. However, the lightweight category is very complicated — there are some guys with very strong punches, very good jiu-jitsu — but I would move forward all the time, always looking for the knockout, to show that my category is very difficult. But, as I said, I have all the respect in the world for the person he is and the champion that he is,” he explained. Charles of the Bronx.
Besides Charles of the Bronx e Ilia Topuria, Arman Tsarukyan, Justin gaethje e, now, Paddy Pimblett also await their chance to face Islam makhachev for the lightweight belt. However, the Russian is at an impasse: he dreams of moving up to welterweight (77 kg), but for that, his friend Belal Muhammad | would have to lose the champion position to Jack Della Maddalena No. UFC 315, scheduled for May 10th.
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