Charles do Bronx names his favorite between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria: 'One step ahead'

Charles do Bronx at the UFC weigh-in. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Charles do Bronx has once again commented on one of the most anticipated UFC fights. The former lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) analyzed a possible duel between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria and pointed to the Russian as the favorite, highlighting the evolution of the welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg).

In an interview with the AFL Global channel on YouTube, Charles praised Makhachev's technical development, especially in stand-up fighting, and stated that Khabib Nurmagomedov 's pupil is experiencing the best moment of his career. This comment comes a month after Topuria lost his undefeated record, being defeated by Justin Gaethje in the main event of the White House card.

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“Honestly, I think Islam is a step ahead now. He’s improved a lot in striking and has a completely different approach, so I think he can win,” said do Bronx.

The statement is noteworthy because Charles has already faced both athletes. In October 2022, at UFC 280 , the São Paulo native was submitted by Makhachev in a lightweight title fight. In June 2025, he faced Topuria at UFC 317 in a fight that marked the Spaniard's definitive rise among the organization's top names.

Despite acknowledging 'El Matador's' immense talent, the Brazilian believes that Islam's evolution in recent years makes all the difference in a high-level matchup. Previously known primarily for his wrestling and ground game, the Russian has demonstrated increasingly refined striking, combining precision with his traditional grappling excellence, making him an even more complete fighter.

While the Makhachev vs. Topuria duel continues to fuel debate among fans and experts, this opinion gains weight coming from an athlete who has shared the octagon with both. In Do Bronx's view, recent evolution makes the Russian the favorite in a potential fight against the Spaniard, even considering his opponent's explosiveness and knockout power.

Relive Charles do Bronx's fights with Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria.

Charles backstage at the UFC. Photo: Courtesy of Facebook/UFC

Do Bronx faced Makhachev at UFC 280 in October 2022 in Abu Dhabi, in a fight for the vacant lightweight title. After a balanced first round, the Russian improved his performance. In the second round, he scored a knockdown, capitalized on the momentum, and submitted the Brazilian with a triangle choke, winning the title. The result ended Charles' 11-fight winning streak in the UFC and marked the beginning of the Khabib Nurmagomedov protégé's reign in the division.

The duel against Ilia Topuria took place at UFC 317 in June 2025 in Las Vegas. On that occasion, the Brazilian fought for the vacant belt, but ended up being knocked out in the first round. With the victory, 'El Matador' became a double champion and one of the biggest stars in the organization.

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