The musical side of Charles do Bronx [ENTREVISTA]

Charles do Bronxas is known Charles Oliveira da Silva, is currently the biggest name in Brazilian MMA. The 33-year-old fighter, born in Guarujá, in São Paulo, has a story that inspires songs. Diagnosed with rheumatic fever at the age of 7, the fighter was told by doctors that he would not be able to walk and would need a wheelchair. At 18 he was cured of the disease.

His relationship with fighting began in childhood when, at the suggestion of a neighbor, he discovered martial arts. It was a few months in Jiu-Jutsu, until he discovered MMA. From the Bronx started competing in the UFC two years after his professional debut. Finishing Darren Elkins in his first fight.

From June 2018 onwards, the athlete won eight fights in a row and went on to win the world championship belt. UFC in May 2021. The Brazilian was later dethroned by the Russian Islam Mackhachev, with whom he would fight again in November this year to regain the coveted title. An injury, however, took him out of the competition.

The brilliant career of Charles He has already inspired artists who are inspired by his story to sing about him. The MC’s G, Hariel, David, Pedrinho, Minor of VG, NK, Trap report It is Baixada Sharkfor example, last year launched the set Charles do Bronx.

In September of this year, it was the turn of other artists to pay tribute to the fighter. You Natiruts joined together L7ennon to release the track “March”. Made from the musicians’ admiration for Charles do Bronx.

In conversation with Rolling Stone Brazil, the fighter said that he takes the idea of ​​legacy very seriously and bursting the bubble so that people remember him beyond MMA. For him, another song telling his story reflects this feeling. Charles considers that his story, the place he comes from and the challenges he has overcome make people feel close to him.

I like listening to music lying down, at home, with headphones. I received the song and thought ‘I’ll listen to it later,’ because I like to do it in silence, on my own, to understand. I got emotional because it says a lot of what I say: ‘The favela won’.”

Charles says he was grateful for the partnership between L7nnon It is Natiruts. He says that during the production process of “March,” the musicians were in contact with his team and the result was, as he classifies, “very good”. The fighter already knew L7 personally, but this was my first contact with the band, despite already knowing their work.

The fighter’s relationship with music is quite diverse: through playlists of Charles They play many types of music. From country to funk. “At each stage, each moment is an album,” he says. The athlete also usually listens to music while training and running.

The time I most enjoy listening to music is when I’m alone. Either on the television, on the sound, or on the headphones. I’m a very eclectic guy and I like to listen to a little bit of everything.”

Before stepping into the octagon, the fighter likes to hear praise, but there is also room for songs that inspire him and remind him of his story. “Sometimes I listen to some funk music that tells how the favela won, how we can. But always praise for being as close to God as possible,” he points out.

The moments when Charles is on the farm are also always rocked by songs. Speaking of which, the fighter’s hobby is racing American Trotters. “I have always been passionate about animals, my mother says that I like them more than people. I’ve been passionate about horses for a long time and I’m racing whenever I can. It’s my escape,” concludes the fighter.