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. As of April 2024, he holds the #2 ranking in the UFC lightweight division and is ranked #14 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound list. He competes in the Lightweight division of the UFC. He's known for his grappling skills and exciting fighting style within the sport.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

October 1989: Early life and diagnosis

In October 1989, Charles Oliveira was born in Guarujá, São Paulo, Brazil. At age 7, he was diagnosed with heart murmur and rheumatic fever but continued to play sports against doctor's orders.

December 11, 2010: UFC 124 Fight Against Jim Miller

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

August 14, 2011: Fight Against Donald Cerrone at UFC on Versus 5

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

September 22, 2012: Fight against Cub Swanson at UFC 152

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

September 5, 2014: Pulled from UFC Fight Night 50

On September 5, 2014, Oliveira was scheduled to face Nik Lentz at UFC Fight Night 50 but was pulled from the event after falling ill from the weight cutting process. He also came in over the featherweight limit at the weigh-in.

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

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

December 19, 2015: Fight against Myles Jury at UFC on Fox 17

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

August 27, 2016: Fight against Anthony Pettis at UFC on Fox 21

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

November 5, 2016: Fight against Ricardo Lamas at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale

On November 5, 2016, Oliveira faced Ricardo Lamas at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale. Oliveira missed weight by nearly 10 lbs and Lamas won the fight via submission in the second round.

December 2, 2017: Fight against Paul Felder at UFC 218

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

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 with a guillotine choke in the third round. This earned Oliveira the Performance of the Night award, extending his UFC record for most submission wins to 14.

October 4, 2020: Oliveira Pulled 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 due to undisclosed reasons.

October 22, 2022: Oliveira Loses UFC Lightweight Championship

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: Oliveira Forced Off UFC 294 Due to Injury

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 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.