By all indications, the duel between Charles do Bronx and Ilia Topuria promises to be a real shock in the center of the octagon. Despite having different styles, the protagonists of UFC 317 have one characteristic in common: aggressiveness. Both the Spaniard and the Brazilian seek to dominate the space until they finish their fights and, according to the former lightweight champion (up to 70,2kg), this will be the decisive factor to leave with his arm raised next Saturday (28).
In an interview with 'ESPN', Charles highlighted that he once had the same confidence that Topuria currently shows, but he issued a warning: the Spaniard has yet to face anyone who really puts pressure on him. The Brazilian assured that, unlike Ilia's last opponents, he will not back down.
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“I also had that confidence. When you're undefeated, you never lose. But with all the guys (Tupuria faced) backing down, I'm not going to back down. I'm the problem in this division. You know that. The guy who has a good record, a history of submissions. I'm a problem, I'm a lion. That's the difference. On the 28th, you'll see who's who,” said Charles do Bronx.
According to Topuria, Charles Do Bronx's style favors him for an easy and quick victory
Ilia Topuria is a former featherweight champion. Photo: Reproduction Instagram/UFC Europe
While Charles Oliveira believes his aggressiveness will be a weapon against Ilia Topuria , the Spaniard sees the situation in a completely opposite way . For the former featherweight champion (up to 65,7kg), the Brazilian's always-advancing style will make the fight even easier and faster.
In an interview with UFC News, Topuria analyzed Charles' aggressive style and pointed to it as a clear advantage for his game. According to the Spaniard, the fact that Do Bronx pressures from the first second facilitates his strategy, unlike the fights against Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway , where he needed to take the initiative and close the distance.
“Stylistically, to be honest, his style is perfect for me, because I don’t need to close the distance with him, since he moves forward from the first second. For example, if you watch my fights against Volkanovski or Holloway, I had to move forward the whole time, closing the distance. Against Charles, I don’t need to do that. (…) I believe it will be very quick, because I will finish him in the first two or three minutes,” explained Ilia Topuria.
Ilia Topuria and Charles do Bronx fight for legacy at UFC 317
Charles do Bronx will face Ilia Topuria at UFC 317. (Photo: Montage/SUPER LUTAS)
Beyond the lightweight title, Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira are fighting for much more at UFC 317. A victory would represent a significant milestone in both athletes' legacies. In Topuria's case, if he wins, he will join the select group of UFC double champions, being the only one to achieve this feat undefeated.
Charles Oliveira , if he wins, will regain the lightweight title, which was taken from him after he failed to make weight in his fight against Justin Gaethje.
Ilia Topuria faces Charles do Bronx at UFC 317 on June 28th in Las Vegas (USA).
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