Charles promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
The return de Conor McGregor Her entry into the octagon remains surrounded by expectations, but Charles of the Bronx He doesn't hide his distrust regarding the choices made by the Irishman for his return. In the view of the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg), 'Notorious' chose to face... Max Holloway No. UFC 329, scheduled for July (11) in Las Vegas (USA), considering the Hawaiian a more accessible opponent than the Brazilian.
In an interview with the American website MMA Fighting, Charles was direct in commenting on the decision of the former two-time champion of the organization. According to the Brazilian, McGregor avoided a possible confrontation with him by accepting the fight against Holloway. In 'Do Bronx's' assessment, the star saw in the former featherweight champion (up to 65,7kg) a more favorable opponent for his return to the octagon after years of inactivity.
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"The truth is, he ran away from me. He chose Max because he thinks he can beat Max. He chose him because he thought it was the easiest way out," the Brazilian exclaimed.
Despite the provocation, Charles acknowledged that the Irishman's firepower remains a cause for concern. According to the Chute Boxe fighter, the first few minutes of the fight tend to favor the former double champion, known for his explosive knockouts early in fights.
“It’s a complicated fight because it’s been a long time since he’s been in the cage. Five years without fighting. However, it’s Conor. If he connects, he’ll knock you out. I think the first and second rounds have a lot in his favor,” analyzed the third-ranked lightweight.
On the other hand, the former champion believes Holloway can take control of the fight if he manages to survive the initial pressure. Possessing one of the best physical conditioning levels in the organization, the Hawaiian usually increases his pace as the rounds progress, a characteristic that could become decisive against an opponent who hasn't competed in years.
A victory for the Irishman would immediately put him back among the leading contenders in the division. Meanwhile, a triumph for the former featherweight champion would further solidify his legacy and pave the way for even greater challenges within the organization.
Period of inactivity increases pressure on McGregor
Conor McGregor in the octagon. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/brwlrz
At 37 years old, McGregor is trying to end a drought that has lasted more than six years. His last victory was in January 2020, when he defeated... Donald Cerrone in just 40 seconds. Since then, the Irishman has suffered two consecutive defeats to Dustin poirier and did not return to competition after suffering a serious leg fracture during a fight held in July 2021.
The long period away from the sport has transformed the duel against Holloway into one of the most important moments of his recent career. A victory could put the former champion back among the organization's top topics, while another defeat would increase doubts about his ability to compete at a high level.
Historic reunion headlines UFC 329
O UFC 329 It will be headlined by the highly anticipated reunion between two of the most popular fighters of their generation. When they first faced each other in 2013, both were still seeking a place in the organization. Almost thirteen years later, they arrive at the fight as former champions and protagonists of some of the most memorable moments in the event's recent history.
Read More about: Charles of the Bronx, Conor McGregor, Max Holloway, MMA, UFC 329
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