Charles Oliveira Bio
Charles Oliveira da Silva (born October 17, 1989) is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and a fourth degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is a former UFC Lightweight Champion. As of November 2025, Oliveira is ranked #2 in the UFC lightweight rankings and #14 in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings.
Early Life and Background
Born in the favela of Vicente de Carvalho in Guarujá, São Paulo, Brazil, Charles Oliveira overcame early health challenges including a heart murmur and rheumatic fever diagnosed at age seven. Despite initial medical advice against sports, he began training Brazilian jiu-jitsu at age 12 under trainer Roger Coelho, attending free classes offered to low-income youth. His family supported his training by selling snacks and cardboard, and Oliveira quickly showed promise by becoming São Paulo champion just two months after starting jiu-jitsu.
Oliveira’s early exposure to martial arts laid the foundation for his future MMA career. He developed his skills in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, earning multiple championship titles before transitioning to mixed martial arts in 2007. He was awarded his black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu in 2010 under Ericson Cardoso and Jorge “Macaco” Patino.
Path to MMA
Oliveira began his MMA career in Brazil, compiling an undefeated 12–0 record with a mix of knockouts and submissions. He competed in multiple one-night tournaments, showcasing his ability to win multiple fights in a single evening. His early career included victories over notable opponents and a transition from welterweight to featherweight and eventually to lightweight divisions.
His early success in regional promotions and his submission skills caught the attention of the UFC, where he made his debut in 2010. Oliveira’s aggressive style and finishing ability quickly earned him recognition as a top prospect in Brazilian MMA.
Charles Oliveira Career
Early Career (2007–2010)
Oliveira’s professional MMA debut occurred in 2007 in Brazil, where he rapidly built an undefeated record. He won several fights by knockout and submission, including victories in the Predator Fight Championship and Kawai Arena promotions. His ability to finish fights early and often made him a standout prospect.
During this period, Oliveira demonstrated his grappling prowess and striking improvements, setting the stage for his entry into the UFC. His early career was marked by multiple wins in single-night tournaments and a growing reputation as a submission specialist.
UFC Breakthrough (2010–2021)
Oliveira made his UFC debut in 2010, submitting Darren Elkins with an armbar in just 41 seconds. He quickly earned multiple Submission of the Night awards and established himself as one of the most dangerous submission artists in the promotion. Despite some setbacks, including losses and a no contest, Oliveira continued to refine his skills.
He transitioned to featherweight and then lightweight divisions, earning several Performance of the Night bonuses. Oliveira set UFC records for most submission wins, most finishes, and most bonuses received. His aggressive Muay Thai striking combined with elite Brazilian jiu-jitsu made him a formidable opponent.
In 2021, Oliveira captured the UFC Lightweight Championship by defeating Michael Chandler via technical knockout. He successfully defended the title against Dustin Poirier with a standing rear-naked choke submission. Oliveira’s reign included record-breaking finishes and multiple performance bonuses.
Chute Boxe Academy Era (2018–Present)
In 2018, Oliveira joined the Chute Boxe Academy in São Paulo to enhance his striking skills, complementing his already elite ground game. This move marked a turning point in his career, as he integrated aggressive Muay Thai techniques into his fighting style.
Oliveira’s recent fights have showcased his evolved striking and grappling balance. Despite losing the lightweight title due to a weigh-in issue in 2022, he remained a top contender, earning Fight of the Night honors and continuing to secure victories. His partnership with Chute Boxe has contributed to his sustained success in the UFC.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Charles Oliveira is known for blending high-pressure Muay Thai striking with one of the most dangerous submission games in UFC history. His aggressive approach from the opening bell involves walking opponents down with precise punches, elbows, and knees. Oliveira’s grappling is elite, holding the UFC record for most submission wins with a diverse arsenal of techniques. He excels at attacking submissions in transition and is particularly lethal during chaotic exchanges.
Notable Events and Milestones
Oliveira holds several UFC records, including the most submission wins (17), most finishes (21), and most bonuses awarded (21). His victory over Michael Chandler to claim the lightweight title was a career-defining moment. Oliveira also made history by becoming the first fighter to be stripped of a UFC title due to missing weight, yet he rebounded with a first-round submission win over Justin Gaethje to regain contender status.
Charles Oliveira Career Wins
Throughout his career, Charles Oliveira has amassed 36 wins in 48 professional MMA fights. His victories span knockouts, submissions, and decisions, highlighting his versatility and finishing ability across multiple weight classes.
UFC Highlights
Oliveira’s UFC career is distinguished by a record-setting 17 submission wins, the most in the organization’s history. His first UFC win was a swift armbar submission against Darren Elkins. He has earned numerous Performance of the Night bonuses, reflecting his exciting fighting style. His most recent notable win includes a technical knockout to claim the UFC Lightweight Championship in 2021 and a submission victory over Justin Gaethje in 2022.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Oliveira compiled an undefeated record in regional Brazilian promotions, winning multiple tournaments and finishing opponents with a mix of knockouts and submissions. His early success laid the groundwork for his transition to the global stage.
Charles Oliveira Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Charles Oliveira comes from humble origins in Guarujá, São Paulo. While there is no public information about a family racing lineage, Oliveira has a passion for harness racing and has participated in events alongside renowned jockeys.
Personal Life
Oliveira resides in Guarujá near his childhood neighborhood and is married to Vitoria. The couple has a son born in 2024. He is known for his charitable work through the Instituto Charles do Bronx, which offers free jiu-jitsu classes and educational support to local youth. Oliveira is a Christian and has openly discussed his faith and personal challenges, including vision correction surgery.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Charles Oliveira continued to compete at the highest level in the UFC Lightweight division. He participated in a title fight for the vacant lightweight championship at UFC 317 but suffered a first-round knockout loss. Oliveira rebounded with a submission victory over Mateusz Gamrot, earning another Performance of the Night bonus. He is scheduled for a rematch against Michael Chandler at UFC 309 later in the year. Oliveira’s 2025 season reflects his resilience and ongoing pursuit of championship success.