The electrifying atmosphere of UFC 300 was not only fueled by intense fights but also by an unexpected controversy surrounding former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. As he made his way to the arena, Oliveira donned a Jewish prayer shawl around his neck, a choice that raised eyebrows and ignited discussions.
Charles Oliveira, affectionately known as “Do Bronx,” suffered his second loss in three fights when he faced Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300. Despite the defeat, it was Oliveira’s attire that captured attention. A Twitter user shared a photo of the Brazilian fighter arriving at the arena, captioning it: “@CharlesDoBronxs with the Jewish tefilin before his fight tonight at #UFC300”.
Praise from Israeli Fighter Natan Levy
The unexpected twist came when Natan Levy, the sole Israeli fighter on the UFC roster, responded to Oliveira’s choice. Levy praised the former champion, tweeting: “Wow, the champ @CharlesDoBronxs with a Talit 🙌🏼 🇧🇷 🇮🇱” . The Talit, also known as a prayer shawl, holds deep significance in Jewish tradition. It is worn during prayer and other sacred moments.
@CharlesDoBronxs with the Jewish tefilin before his fight tonight at #UFC300 pic.twitter.com/V3cLAVgkWM
— Ｒ🇮🇱 (@itsdiesl) April 14, 2024
Uncertainty Surrounding the Shawl
Oliveira has remained silent about the prayer shawl, leaving fans to speculate. Was it a fashion statement or a deliberate political gesture? The timing is intriguing—coming after Iran declared war on Israel and launched attacks earlier that day. While some view it as a personal choice, others wonder if Oliveira intended to make a statement about the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
Charles Oliveira’s Response to the Loss
Following his narrow loss to Tsarukyan, Oliveira addressed his fans on social media. In Portuguese, he expressed gratitude and resilience: “Not every day is going to be a day of glory. It was a hard fight. We had the opportunity to submit or even knock him out, but I couldn’t find myself. I got some stitches over my eye, I’m a bit swollen, but I’m fine. Today wasn’t the day. It wasn’t meant to be. Thank you. I’m fine, and I’ll come back better” 1.
As the debate continues, Charles Oliveira’s choice to wear the Jewish prayer shawl remains a topic of intrigue. Whether it was a personal expression or a political statement, it added an unexpected layer to an already eventful UFC 300.
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