Islam Makhachev and Charles do Bronxs will have one of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s most eagerly awaited fights in 2023. The meeting is scheduled for UFC 294, on October 21 in Abu Dhabi. The Russian had the better of the first fight and defeated the Brazilian by submission to win the lightweight belt.
Charles bounced back from his loss to Makhachev and qualified for the rematch by beating Beneil Dariush in June. So the Brazilian will have the opportunity to make history again and could break the bank.
In an interview with ESPN reporter Brett Okamoto, Makhachev said he didn’t feel Charles’ firepower in the first fight and said he hopes the Brazilian has made adjustments to his game.
“Maybe it’s different in this fight, because I received zero damage in the first one. I didn’t feel the power of Charles’ hands, he may have changed something, I hope”, declared the champion.
The Russian explained how he stays motivated to face an opponent he has already beaten in a short period of time and guaranteed that he won’t give his opponent any chances.
Key to victory
“You look at the belt and you don’t want to lose it, it’s a great motivation. I want to protect my belt, I trained very hard, because I know that now everyone is looking at me and wants to take the title away from me, but I’m not going to give anyone a chance,” said Islam.
Makhachev assured that he will repeat the script of his first fight with Charles and maintained that the Brazilian gives up at decisive moments because he feels the pressure.
“I know how I can beat Charles again, I have the key to victory and I have to use it. I have to make Charles feel the pressure. I’m going to break him. I’m going to break him down and make him feel the power. He gives up when he feels the pressure, that’s no secret,” confirmed Islam.