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 fourth-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He is a former UFC Lightweight Champion and currently competes in the UFC's Lightweight division. As of July 2025, he holds the #4 ranking in the UFC lightweight division. Known for his grappling prowess and striking improvements, Oliveira holds numerous UFC records, including the most submission wins.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

December 11, 2010: First Career Loss 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 Against Donald Cerrone at UFC on Versus 5

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

September 22, 2012: Loss Against 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 Against Frankie Edgar at UFC 162

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

October 19, 2013: Expected to face Estevan Payan at UFC 166

Charles Oliveira was expected to face Estevan Payan on October 19, 2013, at UFC 166, but Payan was forced out. Oliveira then pulled out of the replacement bout against Jeremy Larsen citing a strained thigh muscle.

September 5, 2014: Pulled From Event Due to Weight Cutting Issues

On September 5, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 50, Charles Oliveira was pulled from his rematch against Nik Lentz after failing to make weight and falling ill during the weight cutting process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

March 14, 2020: Submission Victory Against Kevin Lee

On March 14, 2020, Charles Oliveira defeated Kevin Lee via submission at UFC Fight Night 170. Lee missed weight, and the fight proceeded at catchweight. Oliveira's win extended his UFC record for most submission wins to 14 and increased his bonus count.

October 4, 2020: Withdrawal from Fight Against Beneil Dariush

On October 4, 2020, Charles Oliveira was scheduled to fight Beneil Dariush at UFC on ESPN: Holm vs. Aldana. However, Oliveira withdrew from the fight in early September due to undisclosed reasons.

October 22, 2022: Loss to Islam Makhachev

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

October 21, 2023: Pulled from UFC 294 Due to Injury

On October 21, 2023, Charles Oliveira was scheduled to challenge Islam Makhachev in a rematch at UFC 294. However, Oliveira was forced to withdraw due to an injury and was replaced by Alexander Volkanovski.

April 13, 2024: Loss to Arman 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.

June 28, 2025: Loss to Ilia 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.

October 11, 2025: Rafael Fiziev Withdraws, Replaced by Mateusz Gamrot

On October 11, 2025, Charles Oliveira was scheduled to face Rafael Fiziev at UFC Fight Night 261. However, Fiziev withdrew due to a knee injury and was replaced by Mateusz Gamrot.