The world around Dagestan and Do Bronx !!
What has made this fight particularly touch a heart with people worldwide. We all know this fight is nothing like the previously famed McGregor vs Khabib or Jon Jones vs DC or even McGregor vs Diaz. Yet there is something which has fans glued to this fight and most probably everyone has a fixed side they are backing. This time there is less crowd which just wants to watch a good fight.
You wont find people saying :may the best person win: generally in a sport like UFC, however there is no middle way in this upcoming fight between Charles Olivera vs Islam Makhachev at UFC 280.
The UFC is known to have narratives built around their fights and this time its no different, however this time its not only the promotions but the central character and their stories which makes it all the way tinge a beat in irrespective sides.
Personalities as seen on the screen
Charles Olivera:
Charles Olivera uses the ring name "Do Bronx". Do Bronx is synonym from him being from the Favelas (a typical out of town slum arrangement in Brazil). Recalling his teenage days in Brazil where other boys would taunt him as the guy from slums , i.e was origin of "Do Bronx" and he uses it still. It is tough to imagine the same when we think about superstars who soon adopt names like King, Champ, Money and whatnot after achieving success.
This speaks a lot about Charles Olivera's mindset. He is a champion but does not care about anything else but to take care of his family. The guy does not speak English, runs a charity for his fellow Favelas and is often found hugging his opponents after beating them from being an underdog in the fight. Add to that the respect he has earned from fellow champions like Justin Gaethje, Dustin Porier and Michael Chandler to name a few. In a recent interview even Khabib Nurmagomedov said he respected Olivera as a champion.
All these create a tinge in the viewers heart and does place him in the hearts and minds of anyone who has any aspiration of becoming something in life and someone who believes in hardwork and sincerity.
Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev's case is as unique as none other than any other fighter who has appeared in the sport. Islam is soft spoken and has not created a furors with his off ring antics. Yet the viewers feel deeply connected to him about his character as a person. The main reason is not the ads and documentaries made on him by UFC or other independent creators.
We all know the reason for the same .
Khabib's success in UFC has been also a constant source of information of his early days, humble lifestyle and tough living conditions back in Dagestan. Also in the limelight over quiet a few years of his reign was his fathers contribution, his training, dedication and of course his friends who were constantly with him through - the closest one and his sparring partner - Islam Makhachev. This makes him a clear favorite for the people who loved and adored Khabib and also see glimpses of the same life in Islam.
Fighting Prowess
The ultimate high in their careers respectively has been the Jujitsu style ground game for Olivera and combat Sambo style insane grappling from Islam Makhachev. There has had been instances where people talked great lengths of easily surviving these two men in their absolute powerful aspects.
The results were not even close though. Even high quality champions choked to the power aspects. This makes the fight even more highly anticipated where both the fighters are known for their supreme prowess in getting hold of their opponents. This fight in all fairness is to be called "iron for iron" fight.
Legacy at Stake and the Aftermath
Islam comes in with a 10-0 win streak into this fight. Nevertheless the expectations to be in the shadows of Khabib and also his late coach AbdulManap, he comes in with lots riding on him. Adding to that he is the only second fighter in lightweight division from Dagestan. When you have the first one as Khabib Nurmagomedov - everyone expects you to just win this one and get the belt which Khabib held for a long period of time. Islam has shown character in all his fights and has won them in a dominating fashion. His supporters does not see any reason as to why Islam Makhachev cannot bust the myth of the phoenix of Charles Olivera and lay his claim on the title and start a long legacy of greatness.
Charles Olivera comes in with 11-0 win streak into this match. Although he is officially not current champion of the lightweight division, he is called the rightful champion of the division. Also the soul and character he represents all favor him to win. Also coming back from a time when he was busted wide open by his opponents in the cage, he is a matured and advanced version of himself which his supporters believe is past his flaws and is a complete package. Lastly Charles Olivera does not have the belt officially and he lost it only due to missing weight in his last outing. He wants the belt bad and so does his section of fans.
Regardless of who wins this fight the aftermath is guaranteed. The acceptance level of both camps will be humble. Charles Olivera has risen from the ashes in the past and that will be his approach. For Islam, the camp is highly religious and will take it as being the accurate outcome and accept it and move forward to the next phase. I highly doubt any clan calling names, insults , foul play even if they lose. All this makes them the craze they are right now and deserve all the attention they are getting.
PS: Please let me know in the comments if you liked the article and let me know of any topic you would want me to cover.
Peace !
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