Vinicius de Oliveira Prestes de Matos Bio
Vinicius de Oliveira Prestes de Matos, born on November 30, 1995, in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, is a professional mixed martial artist competing in the bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Known also by his ring name Lok Dog, Oliveira began his professional MMA career in 2017 and has quickly risen through the ranks with a strong foundation in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and striking.
Early Life and Background
Oliveira was born and raised in Porto Alegre, the capital city of the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. From a young age, he was involved in combat sports, developing skills in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and striking disciplines. His early training laid the groundwork for his future career in mixed martial arts.
Growing up in Brazil, Oliveira was exposed to a rich martial arts culture, which influenced his decision to pursue MMA professionally. His dedication to training and competition led him to turn professional in 2017, marking the start of his journey in the sport.
Path to MMA
After turning professional, Oliveira quickly made a name for himself on the Brazilian regional MMA scene. He competed in various promotions, including UAE Warriors, gaining valuable experience and recognition. His performances earned him an invitation to Dana White’s Contender Series in 2023, a pivotal opportunity to showcase his skills on a larger stage.
Oliveira’s knockout victory in the Contender Series was a significant milestone that secured him a contract with the UFC, marking his transition to the highest level of mixed martial arts competition.
Vinicius de Oliveira Prestes de Matos Career
Early Career (2017–2023)
Beginning his professional career in 2017, Oliveira competed primarily in Brazil and the Middle East, building a record that demonstrated his striking prowess and grappling skills. His early career was marked by steady progress and growing recognition within the MMA community.
During this period, Oliveira developed his fighting style and gained experience against a variety of opponents, which prepared him for the challenges of international competition and the UFC.
Dana White’s Contender Series Breakthrough (2023)
On September 26, 2023, Oliveira competed on Dana White’s Contender Series against Victor Madrigal. He secured a first-round knockout victory, a performance that earned him a UFC contract. This win was a defining moment in his career, propelling him into the global MMA spotlight.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Era (2024–Present)
Oliveira made his UFC debut on March 2, 2024, at UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Gaziev, where he defeated Bernardo Sopaj by a flying knee knockout in the third round. This impressive performance earned him both Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night bonuses, highlighting his exciting fighting style.
He continued his UFC success with unanimous decision victories over Ricky Simón at UFC 303 in June 2024, Said Nurmagomedov at UFC Fight Night in February 2025, and Kyler Phillips at UFC 318 in July 2025. These wins have solidified his position as a rising contender in the bantamweight division.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Oliveira is known for his dynamic striking and Brazilian jiu-jitsu foundation. His ability to finish fights with knockouts and maintain control throughout bouts showcases his well-rounded skill set. His aggressive approach and technical proficiency make him a formidable opponent in the bantamweight division.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones in Oliveira’s career include his knockout victory on Dana White’s Contender Series that earned him a UFC contract and his debut UFC fight where he earned dual bonuses for Performance and Fight of the Night. These moments have marked him as an exciting talent to watch in MMA.
Vinicius de Oliveira Prestes de Matos Career Wins
Vinicius Oliveira has compiled a professional MMA record of 23 wins and 3 losses. His victories include 3 knockouts, with the remainder coming by decision, demonstrating his ability to control fights and secure wins across multiple rounds.
UFC Highlights
Since joining the UFC, Oliveira has earned multiple wins, including a notable flying knee knockout in his debut. His consistent performances against ranked opponents have helped him climb to #13 in the UFC bantamweight rankings as of October 2025.
Other Wins and Performances
Prior to the UFC, Oliveira achieved success in regional promotions and international events such as UAE Warriors, where he honed his skills and built a competitive record that led to his UFC opportunity.
Vinicius de Oliveira Prestes de Matos Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Details about Oliveira’s family and personal life remain private. He resides in Porto Alegre, Brazil, where he continues to train and compete professionally.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Oliveira has maintained strong form in the UFC bantamweight division, securing victories over notable opponents such as Said Nurmagomedov and Kyler Phillips. His performances have demonstrated growth and consistency, positioning him as a contender for higher-profile fights and potential title contention.
His partnership with Sombra Team MMA has been instrumental in his development, providing strategic support and training resources. Oliveira’s momentum in 2025 suggests a promising trajectory in the competitive bantamweight landscape.