Charles do Bronx is one of the top Brazilian fighters in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
On the eve of UFC 317 , Ilia Topuria 's confidence has increased so much that the Spaniard has even stated that he will defeat Charles Oliveira quickly and easily . Perhaps this is because the former featherweight champion (up to 65,7kg) has been considered the overwhelming favorite since the fight was announced, and the odds continue to rise. However, for Max Holloway , who has faced both fighters, it is precisely at this moment that the Brazilian usually shines.
In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Holloway highlighted that, throughout his career, Charles has proven that he can win when he is considered the underdog, exceeding expectations on several occasions. The Hawaiian points out that the fight could be decided in the first few minutes, when Do Bronx will be hit and, from there, he will have the opportunity to react, depending on how the fight unfolds.
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“A lot of people are writing Charles off, but that’s when he shines as an underdog. I don’t know how many times people have doubted this guy and somehow he found a way to win, you know? So from my perspective, this fight is probably going to be decided in the first three or four minutes, in the first round, because Charles is going to get hit. Ilia is going to land something that knocks him out or hurts him, and he’s going to find a way to fight back. That’s the whole point of this fight,” Holloway said.
Holloway also made a point of not choosing a clear winner for the fight, noting that both a knockout victory for Topuria and a submission or knockout for Oliveira are possible scenarios. The Hawaiian emphasized that, regardless of the outcome, the fight promises to be exciting, with both fighters capable of deciding the outcome at any moment.
“Charles Oliveira is one of the best fighters in the world to bet on as an underdog. And that’s all I’m saying, you know? I’m not picking a winner here. I’ll be straight with you: I won’t be surprised if Topuria wins by knockout, and I also won’t be surprised if Charles somehow manages to win by submission or knockout. So, this fight promises to be a lot of fun,” concluded the Hawaiian.
Charles Do Bronx is a big underdog in the betting against Ilia Topuria
Following the announcement of the fight between Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria as the main event of UFC 317 , the Brazilian fighter started behind in the initial odds offered by ' Stake '. Currently, Charles has odds of 4.60, indicating a significant return for those betting on his victory; that is, every R$10 bet on the Brazilian would yield R$46,00 in case of a win. On the other hand, Ilia Topuria is the big favorite, with odds of 1,21, representing a return of R$1,21 for every R$1 bet on his victory.
Holloway has faced Charles do Bronx and Ilia Topuria at crucial moments in his career
Ilia Topuria is the only fighter to knock out Max Holloway . Photo: Reproduction/Instagram UFC
In August 2015, Max Holloway faced Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC Fight Night 74, held in Canada. The fight, valid for the featherweight division, ended in the first round after the Brazilian suffered a collarbone injury, which sealed the victory for the Hawaiian.
The confrontation with Ilia Topuria took place more recently, at UFC 308 in October 2024. On that occasion, Holloway entered as a title challenger and ended up being knocked out by the Spaniard in the main event.
Max Holloway faces Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC 318
Holloway (left) and Poirier (right) headlined UFC 236. Photo: Reproduction / YouTube
Max Holloway returns to action in the main event of UFC 318, when he faces Dustin Poirier in his farewell fight. The bout marks the end of the trilogy between the two athletes, who have already faced each other on two previous occasions, both resulting in victories for Poirier.
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