UFC star Charles Oliveira has spoken about his growth ever since his loss to Max Holloway all the way back in August 2015.
When you talk about beloved fighters in the UFC, Charles Oliveira is one of the big names that really stands out. The Brazilian sensation is a former UFC lightweight champion, he’s been around for well over a decade, and he has produced some of the most memorable fights in recent memory.
At UFC 326, Oliveira will go head to head with Max Holloway, a man he first faced 11 years ago. An injury sustained by ‘Do Bronx’ led to him being unable to continue in that contest, which formed part of an image that followed him around for a long time that suggested he was a quitter.
In a recent interview, Oliveira spoke about just how much he’s grown since that night ahead of this BMF title rematch.
Oliveira reflects on progress from first Holloway fight
“From that last fight to this one, I evolved a lot,” Oliveira said in a recent video on his YouTube channel.
“In that fight, I entered with an injury. It’s a completely different Charles. I know he’s evolved, he’s grown, he’s the BMF champion, but today’s Charles is a completely different Charles.
“At the time, I was just Charles of jiu-jitsu. Today, I’m Charles of MMA. I’m a complete guy. At that time, I was just a boy. Today, I’m a lion among lions, so it’s completely different, one fight from the other.”
Quotes via Bloody Elbow
Who do you believe is going to get their hand raised in victory at UFC 326? Let us know your thoughts on this fight and both men’s careers as a whole in the comments, BJPENN Nation!