Charles Oliveira, the Brazilian fighter known in the cage as 'Do Bronx,' has built his UFC career on recovering from painful defeats, ABC España reported. He has now looked back on one of the setbacks that marked him most: the knockout he took from Ilia Topuria at UFC 317.
The bout was contested for the vacant lightweight championship, and Topuria, nicknamed 'El Matador,' won it. Oliveira, described in the report as one of MMA's most respected athletes and the current holder of the BMF title, discussed the mistake that he says allowed the fight to go Topuria's way.
"I thought my hand was going to connect and everyone laughed," Oliveira said, according to ABC España.
ABC España noted that Oliveira's appeal goes beyond his fighting style. Fans of mixed martial arts and the UFC have empathized with the Brazilian because of the way he faces difficulties in life, as well as his personal and professional falls.
