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 competing in the UFC's Lightweight division. A fourth-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, he is a former UFC Lightweight Champion. As of July 2025, he holds top rankings in both the lightweight and pound-for-pound categories within the UFC.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

October 1989: Birth and Early Life

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: First Career Loss

On December 11, 2010, Charles Oliveira faced Jim Miller at UFC 124, where he suffered his first career loss via kneebar submission in the first round.

August 14, 2011: Loss to Donald Cerrone

On August 14, 2011, Charles Oliveira faced Donald Cerrone at UFC on Versus 5, losing via TKO in the first round. After this loss he was planned to drop down to the featherweight division.

September 22, 2012: Loss to Cub Swanson

On September 22, 2012, Charles Oliveira faced Cub Swanson at UFC 152, losing the fight via KO in the first round.

July 6, 2013: Loss to Frankie Edgar

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

September 5, 2014: Pulled from Fight Due to Weight Cutting

On September 5, 2014, Charles Oliveira was scheduled for a rematch against Nik Lentz at UFC Fight Night 50. He missed weight and was pulled from the event due to illness from weight cutting.

August 23, 2015: Loss to Max Holloway

On August 23, 2015, Charles Oliveira faced Max Holloway at UFC Fight Night 74, losing the fight via TKO in the first round due to a neck/shoulder injury.

December 19, 2015: Win Against Myles Jury

On December 19, 2015, Charles Oliveira faced Myles Jury at UFC on Fox 17, winning the fight via submission in the first round. Oliveira missed weight for the bout, marking the third time in his UFC career.

August 27, 2016: Loss to Anthony Pettis

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

November 5, 2016: Loss to Ricardo Lamas

On November 5, 2016, Charles Oliveira faced Ricardo Lamas at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale, losing via submission in the second round. Oliveira missed weight for this fight.

December 2, 2017: Loss to Paul Felder

On December 2, 2017, Charles Oliveira faced Paul Felder at UFC 218, losing the fight via TKO in the second round.

March 14, 2020: Oliveira vs. Kevin 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 with a guillotine choke in the third round. This victory earned him the Performance of the Night award, extending his UFC record for most submission wins to 14.

October 4, 2020: Oliveira Pulls Out of Fight Against 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: Oliveira Loses Title to Makhachev at UFC 280

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.

May 6, 2023: Oliveira Defeats Dariush at UFC 289

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

October 21, 2023: Oliveira Forced off UFC 294

On October 21, 2023, Charles Oliveira was scheduled 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 he was replaced by Alexander Volkanovski.

April 13, 2024: Oliveira vs. Tsarukyan at UFC 300

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: Oliveira Loses to Topuria at UFC 317

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.