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, 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

October 1989: Early Life and Diagnosis

In October 1989, Charles Oliveira was born in the favela of Vicente de Carvalho in Guarujá, São Paulo, Brazil. At age 7, he was diagnosed with heart murmur and rheumatic fever.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.