Do Bronx names favorite in possible Topuria-Makhachev fight and predicts future of UFC lightweight division

Ilia Topuria want to face Islam makhachev in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Montage SUPER FIGHTS

Charles of the Bronx has, to say the least, interesting opinions about the future of the UFC's lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg). The Brazilian, who has already worn the belt in the category, was recently defeated by Ilia Topuria, the current champion, and believes that the next Ultimate events will be crucial for the future of the division.

In response to a question from SUPER LUTAS at UFC Rio's media day, he made it clear that, in his opinion, Arman Tsarukyan should face Topuria for the lightweight title, but also believes that Justin gaethje should have a chance to fight for the belt. According to Charles, if Islam makhachev win the welterweight belt (up to 77 kg), the Spaniard will probably leave the throne to fight for his third belt against the Russian.

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"It's all pretty crazy, actually. I think Topuria will fight Gaethje. There's this Arman fight, and I think Arman will win and be right back in the title picture... Now, in November, we have Maddalena against Islam, so if Islam wins, Topuria will move up and vacate the belt again. So, it's a gamble: let's let the division play out and see what happens," he said. Charles of the Bronx.

When imagining a possible duel between Islam makhachev e Ilia Topuria, Charles pointed out the Russian's favoritism due to his quality in grappling.

"I think Makhachev has improved a lot on the feet, and he has a good chance of taking Topuria down and winning... I can't say much about his (Topuria's) Jiu-Jitsu; he's very good, very talented, one of the biggest names in the UFC today. He's a giant, but Islam has been improving a lot on the feet and has very good grappling. He's a guy who can finish, who can smother, and if he takes him down, he has a good chance of winning," concluded the former lightweight champion.

Mateusz gamrot is a candidate to face Charles of the Bronx at UFC Rio (Photo: Montage/SUPER LUTAS

PUBLICITY:

Amid predictions about the future of the lightweight division, Charles of the Bronx has a chance to return to the top. The Brazilian faces Mateusz gamrot in the main fight of UFC Rio, scheduled for next Saturday (11).