Challenges in the Life of Charles Oliveira in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Charles Oliveira's life and career.

Charles Oliveira is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and a highly skilled Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner, holding a fourth-degree black belt. He competes in the UFC's Lightweight division and is a former UFC Lightweight Champion. As of July 1, 2025, he is ranked #3 in the UFC lightweight rankings and #15 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings, highlighting his status as one of the top competitors in the sport.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

October 1989: Early Life and Health Challenges

In October 1989, Charles Oliveira was born in a favela in Brazil. At age 7, he was diagnosed with heart murmur and rheumatic fever, initially restricting him from playing sports, but his condition healed over time.

December 11, 2010: First Career Loss

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

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

On August 14, 2011, Oliveira faced Donald Cerrone at UFC on Versus 5, losing via TKO in the first round, leading to plans to drop to the featherweight division.

September 22, 2012: Loss to Cub Swanson

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

July 6, 2013: Loss to Frankie Edgar

On July 6, 2013, at UFC 162, Oliveira lost to Frankie Edgar via unanimous decision, but both fighters earned Fight of the Night honors.

October 19, 2013: UFC 166 fight

On October 19, 2013, Oliveira was expected to face Estevan Payan at UFC 166, but the fight was cancelled due to injuries.

September 5, 2014: Weight Cutting Issues and Fight Cancellation

On September 5, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 50, Oliveira had weight cutting issues for his rematch with Nik Lentz, initially surrendering part of his purse before being pulled from the event due to illness.

August 23, 2015: Loss to Max Holloway

On August 23, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 74, Oliveira lost to Max Holloway via TKO in the first round after suffering a neck/shoulder injury.

December 19, 2015: Win Over Myles Jury Despite Missing Weight

On December 19, 2015, at UFC on Fox 17, Oliveira defeated Myles Jury via submission in the first round, despite missing weight for the bout.

August 27, 2016: Loss to Anthony Pettis

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

November 5, 2016: Loss to Ricardo Lamas After Missing Weight

On November 5, 2016, at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale, Oliveira lost to Ricardo Lamas via submission in the second round after missing weight.

December 2, 2017: Loss to Paul Felder

On December 2, 2017, at UFC 218, Oliveira lost to Paul Felder via TKO in the second round.

October 4, 2020: Pulls out of Fight Against Beneil Dariush

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

October 22, 2022: Loses against Islam Makhachev

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

October 21, 2023: Forced off from UFC 294 due to Injuries

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

April 13, 2024: Loses against Arman Tsarukyan via Split Decision

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

June 28, 2025: Loses against Ilia Topuria

On June 28, 2025, Charles Oliveira faced Ilia Topuria for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 317. He lost the fight by knockout in the first round.