Career Timeline of Charles Oliveira: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Charles Oliveira built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Charles Oliveira is a Brazilian mixed martial artist, a fourth-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and a former UFC Lightweight Champion. He competes in the UFC's Lightweight division. As of April 2024, he is ranked #2 in the lightweight division and #14 in the UFC's pound-for-pound rankings as of June 2024, solidifying his position as a top-ranked fighter.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2004: São Paulo Championship Win

In 2004, Charles Oliveira won the São Paulo championship for the second time.

2005: Copa Nação Jiu-Jitsu Win

In 2005, Charles Oliveira won the Copa Nação Jiu-Jitsu.

2006: Wins 16 Medals

In 2006, Charles Oliveira won a total of 16 medals.

2007: Professional Career Began

Charles Oliveira began his professional MMA career in 2007 in Brazil, achieving a record of 12-0 with six knockouts and five submissions. On three separate occasions, Oliveira has compiled multiple wins on the same night.

2007: CBJJE World Champion

In 2007, Charles Oliveira became a two-time CBJJE World Champion as a blue belt.

2007: Focus on MMA Career

In 2007, Charles Oliveira started to steer his career to focus on MMA.

2007: Transition to MMA

In 2007, Charles Oliveira transitioned to mixed martial arts (MMA) after achieving multiple championship titles in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

March 2008: Professional Debut at Predador Fight Championship

In March 2008, Charles Oliveira made his professional debut at the Predador Fight Championship promotion at "Predator FC 9 – Welterweight Grand Prix". He won the tournament by defeating Jackson Pontes, Viscardi Andrade, and Diego Braga.

December 2008: Lightweight Debut and Tournament Entry

In December 2008, Charles Oliveira debuted at lightweight, defeating Mehdi Baghdad. After that he entered into another tournament at "Korea Fight", where he defeated Daniel Fernandes and Eliene Silva.

2008: CBJJE South American Champion

In 2008, Charles Oliveira became the CBJJE South American Champion and won silver at the CBJJE World Championship as a purple belt.

January 2010: Named Top Brazilian Prospect

In January 2010, Charles Oliveira was named as the third-best Brazilian prospect to watch in 2010, according to Sherdog.

February 2010: Two Wins in One Night

In February 2010, Charles Oliveira competed twice in one night, defeating Rosenildo Rocha via submission and Diego Bataglia via KO.

December 11, 2010: Loss to Jim Miller at UFC 124

On December 11, 2010, at UFC 124, Charles Oliveira faced Jim Miller and was submitted via kneebar in the first round, marking the first loss of his career.

2010: Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

In 2010, Charles Oliveira was awarded his black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Ericson Cardoso and Jorge "Macaco" Patino.

June 26, 2011: No Contest Against Nik Lentz at UFC Live

On June 26, 2011, at UFC Live: Kongo vs. Barry, Charles Oliveira's fight against Nik Lentz ended in a no contest due to an illegal knee by Oliveira. Both fighters earned Fight of the Night honors.

August 14, 2011: Loss to Donald Cerrone at UFC on Versus 5

On August 14, 2011, Charles Oliveira faced Donald Cerrone at UFC on Versus 5, replacing an injured Paul Taylor. He lost the fight via TKO in the first round.

November 19, 2011: Expected Fight Against Joe Lauzon

Charles Oliveira was expected to face Joe Lauzon on November 19, 2011, at UFC 138, but the fight did not occur.

January 20, 2012: Expected Fight Against Robert Peralta

Charles Oliveira was originally meant to face Robert Peralta on January 20, 2012, at UFC on FX: Guillard vs. Miller, but instead faced Eric Wisely.

January 28, 2012: Victory Over Eric Wisely at UFC on Fox

On January 28, 2012, at UFC on Fox: Evans vs. Davis, Charles Oliveira defeated Eric Wisely via reverse calf slicer submission in the first round, earning a Submission of the Night award.

June 1, 2012: Victory Over Jonathan Brookins at The Ultimate Fighter 15 Finale

On June 1, 2012, at The Ultimate Fighter 15 Finale, Charles Oliveira defeated Jonathan Brookins via second round anaconda choke.

September 22, 2012: Loss to Cub Swanson at UFC 152

On September 22, 2012, at UFC 152, Charles Oliveira lost to Cub Swanson via KO in the first round.

July 6, 2013: Loss to Frankie Edgar at UFC 162

On July 6, 2013, Charles Oliveira faced Frankie Edgar at UFC 162 and lost the bout via unanimous decision. Both fighters earned Fight of the Night honors.

October 19, 2013: Expected Fight Against Estevan Payan

Charles Oliveira was expected to face Estevan Payan on October 19, 2013, at UFC 166. However, Payan was forced out of the bout citing a broken foot and was replaced by Jeremy Larsen. Subsequently, on October 5, Oliveira pulled out of the Larsen bout citing a strained thigh muscle.

February 15, 2014: Victory Over Andy Ogle at UFC Fight Night 36

On February 15, 2014, Charles Oliveira faced Andy Ogle at UFC Fight Night 36 and won the fight via triangle choke submission in the third round. The win also earned him a UFC Performance of the Night bonus award.

June 28, 2014: Victory Over Hatsu Hioki at UFC Fight Night 43

On June 28, 2014, Charles Oliveira faced Hatsu Hioki at UFC Fight Night 43 and won the fight via submission, becoming the first man to finish Hioki. This fight earned him a Performance of the Night award.

September 5, 2014: Pulled from UFC Fight Night 50 Due to Weight Cutting Issues

On September 5, 2014, Charles Oliveira was scheduled to face Nik Lentz at UFC Fight Night 50. However, after missing weight and falling ill from the weight cutting process, he was pulled from the event entirely.

December 12, 2014: Victory Over Jeremy Stephens at The Ultimate Fighter 20 Finale

On December 12, 2014, Charles Oliveira faced Jeremy Stephens at The Ultimate Fighter 20 Finale and won the fight via unanimous decision.

May 30, 2015: Victory Over Nik Lentz at UFC Fight Night 67

On May 30, 2015, Charles Oliveira faced Nik Lentz at UFC Fight Night 67 and won the fight via guillotine choke submission in the third round. The win earned Oliveira his third Performance of the Night bonus and his third Fight of the Night bonus.

August 23, 2015: Loss to Max Holloway at UFC Fight Night 74

On August 23, 2015, Charles Oliveira faced Max Holloway at UFC Fight Night 74. He lost the fight via TKO in the first round, after suffering an apparent neck/shoulder injury while attempting a takedown.

December 19, 2015: Victory Over Myles Jury at UFC on Fox 17

On December 19, 2015, Charles Oliveira faced Myles Jury at UFC on Fox 17. Oliveira missed weight for the bout, and the fight was contested at a catchweight. Oliveira won the fight via submission in the first round.

August 27, 2016: Loss to Anthony Pettis at UFC on Fox 21

On August 27, 2016, Charles Oliveira faced Anthony Pettis at UFC on Fox 21. Pettis submitted Oliveira in the third round via guillotine choke.

November 5, 2016: Loss to Ricardo Lamas at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale

On November 5, 2016, Charles Oliveira faced Ricardo Lamas at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale. The bout was contested at a catchweight of 155 lbs, as Oliveira missed weight by nearly 10 lbs. Lamas won the fight via submission in the second round.

April 8, 2017: Victory Over Will Brooks at UFC 210

On April 8, 2017, Charles Oliveira faced Will Brooks in a lightweight bout at UFC 210. He won the fight by rear-naked choke submission in the first round and was awarded a Performance of the Night bonus.

December 2, 2017: Loss to Paul Felder at UFC 218

On December 2, 2017, Charles Oliveira faced Paul Felder at UFC 218. He lost the fight via TKO in the second round after Felder landed multiple elbows.

September 22, 2018: Victory Over Christos Giagos at UFC Fight Night 137

On September 22, 2018, Charles Oliveira faced Christos Giagos at UFC Fight Night 137 and won the fight via submission in the second round. Oliveira surpassed Royce Gracie for the most submission wins in UFC history, earning a Performance of the Night award.

December 15, 2018: Victory Over Jim Miller at UFC on Fox 31

On December 15, 2018, Charles Oliveira faced Jim Miller at UFC on Fox 31 and won the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the first round. The win earned him a Performance of the Night award and extended the record for most submissions in UFC History with 12.

2018: Joined Chute Boxe Diego Lima

In 2018, Charles Oliveira joined Chute Boxe Diego Lima in São Paulo, aiming to improve his striking game.

February 2, 2019: Victory Over David Teymur at UFC Fight Night 144

On February 2, 2019, Charles Oliveira faced David Teymur at UFC Fight Night 144 and won the fight in the second round after applying an anaconda choke. With this win, Oliveira extended the UFC record for most submission wins to thirteen and earned a Performance of the Night award.

May 18, 2019: Oliveira vs. Lentz Trilogy Fight

On May 18, 2019, Charles Oliveira fought Nik Lentz in a trilogy fight at UFC Fight Night 152, marking the first fight of Oliveira's new five-fight contract. Oliveira won the fight via TKO in the second round.

November 16, 2019: Oliveira vs. Gordon at UFC Fight Night 164

On November 16, 2019, Charles Oliveira replaced Leonardo Santos and faced Jared Gordon at UFC Fight Night 164. Oliveira won the fight by knockout in the first round, earning him the Performance of the Night award.

January 2020: Grappling Superfight at SFT 20

In January 2020, Charles Oliveira competed in a grappling superfight at the MMA event SFT 20 against Lucas Barros. Oliveira won by decision under IBJJF rules.

March 14, 2020: Oliveira vs. Lee at UFC Fight Night 170

On March 14, 2020, Charles Oliveira faced Kevin Lee at UFC Fight Night 170. Lee missed weight, and Oliveira won the fight via submission, earning the Performance of the Night award and extending his UFC records for most submission wins and finishes.

October 4, 2020: Oliveira pulls out of fight against Dariush

Charles Oliveira was scheduled to meet Beneil Dariush on October 4, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Holm vs. Aldana. However, Oliveira pulled out of the fight in early September for undisclosed reasons.

December 12, 2020: Oliveira vs. Ferguson at UFC 256

On December 12, 2020, Charles Oliveira faced Tony Ferguson at UFC 256, winning by unanimous decision. It was his first win by decision since 2014.

May 15, 2021: Oliveira Wins UFC Lightweight Championship

On May 15, 2021, Charles Oliveira faced Michael Chandler at UFC 262 for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship. Oliveira won by TKO in the second round, claiming the title and setting a record for the most finishes in UFC history. He also earned the Performance of the Night bonus award.

December 11, 2021: Oliveira Defends UFC Lightweight Title

On December 11, 2021, Charles Oliveira defended his UFC Lightweight title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 269. He won by submission in the third round, also earning his record-breaking twelfth Performance of the Night bonus award.

October 22, 2022: Oliveira Loses UFC Lightweight Championship

On October 22, 2022, Charles Oliveira faced Islam Makhachev at UFC 280 for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship. Oliveira lost the fight via submission in the second round.

February 2023: Oliveira Joins OnlyFans

In February 2023, Charles Oliveira announced that he was joining OnlyFans to provide a subscription-based service to his fans, featuring workouts and training content.

May 6, 2023: Oliveira defeats Dariush at UFC 289

On May 6, 2023, Charles Oliveira was set to fight Beneil Dariush at UFC 288, but the fight was postponed to UFC 289 due to Oliveira's injury. He won the fight via technical knockout in the first round, securing his thirteenth Performance of the Night bonus award.

July 2023: Grappling Match Arranged with Renan Barão

In July 2023, Renan Barão announced that he had a grappling match with Charles Oliveira arranged for a future BJJ Stars event.

August 6, 2023: Booked to Compete Against Cristiano Souza

Charles Oliveira was booked to compete against Cristiano Souza in the main event of Gold Talents BJJ 2 on August 6, 2023.

October 21, 2023: Oliveira injured and pulled from UFC 294

On October 21, 2023, Charles Oliveira was scheduled for a rematch against Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 for the lightweight world championship. However, Oliveira was forced to withdraw from the event due to injuries and was replaced by Alexander Volkanovski.

April 13, 2024: Oliveira Loses to Tsarukyan at UFC 300

On April 13, 2024, Charles Oliveira faced Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300, losing the bout via split decision in a UFC lightweight title eliminator despite having two close submission attempts.

April 16, 2024: UFC Lightweight Rankings

As of April 16, 2024, Charles Oliveira is ranked #2 in the UFC lightweight rankings.

November 16, 2024: Oliveira Defeats Chandler in Rematch at UFC 309

On November 16, 2024, Charles Oliveira faced Michael Chandler in a rematch at UFC 309, winning by unanimous decision. This fight earned him another Fight of the Night award.

April 26, 2025: Oliveira to Receive UFC Forrest Griffin Community Award

On April 26, 2025, it was announced that Charles Oliveira will be a recipient of the 2025 UFC Forrest Griffin Community Award for his institute "ICBronxs," which provides local youth with free education and jiu-jitsu training.