Charles Oliveira: "Topuria talks a lot to sell the fight, but he's a very tough guy."

We're just hours away from the Octagon doors closing at the T-Mobile Arena with two of the UFC's best fighters inside. Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria will fight to become champions of the lightweight division, a major goal considering it has traditionally been the most dangerous and competitive category in the world's largest mixed martial arts league. "Do Bronx," as the Brazilian is nicknamed, speaks to this newspaper before the main event of UFC 317 in Las Vegas.

-First of all, how are you, Charles?

-Very well, my friend, very happy with what's happening here.

-You're facing a fight in which you want to reclaim what was once yours: the UFC lightweight title. How are you feeling?

-I am very grateful to God for the opportunity to be here, and I am also prepared to win.

-There was a time when you lost the belt for not making weight. How's this cut going?

-Yes... I was robbed because I made weight on Thursday and what happened happened, but that made me stronger, it strengthened me mentally. Now we're close to making weight, and we'll make it on Friday morning.

-The bets indicate that Ilia Topuria is a big favorite, I don't know if being a legend you feel a little undervalued.

-No, everyone thinks how they want, the way they want, I don't pay attention to those things, I don't look at them.

-Ilia Topuria is known for his punching power, and you have a style of going forward and trading blows. Are you going to change your strategy based on your opponent's punching power?

-No. I've been improving fight after fight. That's my style, fighting from the front. If you watch my fights, I've been evolving. I've been calmer, with more rhythm, trying to place my punches at the right moment.

-Ilia says she has a very hard punch, but you say yours is harder.

-Yes, he's been knocking out, but all the opponents who fought me had a very strong punch, and it was clear that I have punching power in my hand.

-Do you think the fight will go to the ground at some point?

-I think so. We're talking about MMA. We can take the fight to the ground at any time. It's not just boxing or Muay Thai. It can go either way.

-Ilia has given a first-round knockout prediction in his favor. What's your prediction?

-Finish with my arm raised, I want to win.

-You've won the title, you have a lot of records in the UFC... What's your main motivation now?

-I fight for my legacy, for my family, for my children, for my fans, for those who believe in my work, for all of them.

-You've been fighting in the UFC for 15 years now. How do you maintain your ambition?

-It's a long time, yes, but I want to increase my legacy and I have ambition.

-With a challenge like this, do you still get nervous during Fight Week?

-Yes, if anyone says no, they're lying, but I'm going to win.

-If you win, who should be your next opponent?

-I don't know, I'm focused on this fight.

-And the fight against Islam Makhachev? Would you like it?

-I have nothing against him, he's a tough guy, everyone's saying the same thing.

-The UFC will likely move to Spain soon. Do you plan to stay in our country or fight there if that happens?

-Why not? I've never been, and it could have been to visit or to fight.

-Finally, what is your real opinion of Ilia?

-He's a guy who wants to sell the fight, he talks to sell the fight, but he's a great fighter, a very tough guy, and I have respect for him.