Anderson Silva believes Charles Oliveira deserves all the love and respect he’s receiving from Brazilians.
Since 2018, Oliveira’s meteoric rise in the lightweight division that saw him capture the 155-pound title has been nothing short of inspirational. More than anything else, however, it’s his aggressive fighting style and his incredible story that resonates with the fans.
From a favela in Brazil to the highest of highs in the UFC, Oliveira is a superhero for the up-and-coming stars from Brazil, and it’s not a surprise for Silva that he’s so popular back home.
“It’s gratifying to see Charles [shine], a kid that works hard, is persistent, and believed in himself more than anyone else,” Silva said while speaking to MMA Fighting’s Trocacao Franca. “He has great coaches, [Jorge Patino] ‘Macaco’ is a great coach. … As for the fighters, it’s unbelievable. It’s second to none in terms of heart, determination, and willpower. Chute Boxe has all that, and Charles brings it with him. I’m rooting for him, always.
“He deserves all the best. He’s a good kid. Nobody believed in him, even the UFC didn’t believe in him, and he’s showing why he’s up there. He’s captivated the crowd in a way that no one expected. He deserves our respect, and Brazil has to applaud him because Charles deserves all the best. He’s our champion and we have to support him so he goes there and represents Brazil the best way possible.”
Oliveira last fought at UFC 289, where he knocked out Beneil Dariush to bounce back into winning ways. ‘Do Bronx’ now eyes a lightweight title rematch with Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi.
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