History of Charles Oliveira in Timeline

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

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.

October 17, 1989: Charles Oliveira's Birth

On October 17, 1989, Charles Oliveira da Silva was born. He is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner.

2004: São Paulo championship win

In 2004, Oliveira won the São Paulo championship for the first time.

2005: Copa Nação Jiu-Jitsu Win

In 2005, Oliveira won the Copa Nação Jiu-Jitsu.

2006: Wins 16 medals

In 2006, Charles Oliveira won a total of 16 medals.

2007: Professional MMA Debut

In 2007, Charles Oliveira began his professional MMA career in Brazil, achieving a record of 12-0.

2007: Focus on MMA

In 2007, Charles Oliveira started focusing his career on Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

2007: CBJJE World Champion

In 2007, as a blue belt, Oliveira became a two-time CBJJE World Champion.

March 2008: Predator FC 9 Tournament Win

In March 2008, Oliveira made his professional debut at the Predator FC 9 tournament, defeating Jackson Pontes, Viscardi Andrade and Diego Braga to win the tournament.

December 2008: Lightweight Debut and Tournament Entry

In December 2008, Oliveira debuted at lightweight by defeating Mehdi Baghdad, and then entered a tournament at "Korea Fight", where he defeated Daniel Fernandes and Eliene Silva.

2008: CBJJE South American Champion

In 2008, Oliveira won silver as a purple belt and became the 2008 CBJJE South American Champion.

January 2010: Named Third-Best Brazilian Prospect

In January 2010, Oliveira was named as the third-best Brazilian prospect to watch in 2010, according to Sherdog.

February 2010: Multiple Wins in One Night

In February 2010, Oliveira competed twice in one night, defeating Rosenildo Rocha and Diego Bataglia.

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.

2010: Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

In 2010, Oliveira was awarded his black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Ericson Cardoso and Jorge "Macaco" Patino.

June 26, 2011: No Contest Against Nik Lentz

On June 26, 2011, at UFC Live: Kongo vs. Barry, Charles Oliveira's fight against Nik Lentz ended in a no contest after an illegal knee, but earned both fighters Fight of the Night honors.

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.

November 19, 2011: Planned fight against Joe Lauzon

Charles Oliveira was expected to face Joe Lauzon on November 19, 2011, at UFC 138, but instead fought Donald Cerrone on August 14, 2011.

January 20, 2012: Originally meant to face Robert Peralta

Charles Oliveira was originally meant to face Robert Peralta on January 20, 2012, at UFC on FX: Guillard vs. Miller, but instead faced Eric Wisely on January 28, 2012.

January 28, 2012: Victory over Eric Wisely at UFC on Fox

On January 28, 2012, at UFC on Fox: Evans vs. Davis, Charles Oliveira defeated Eric Wisely via reverse calf slicer submission, earning him a Submission of the Night award.

June 1, 2012: Victory Over Jonathan Brookins at The Ultimate Fighter 15 Finale

On June 1, 2012, at The Ultimate Fighter 15 Finale, Charles Oliveira defeated Jonathan Brookins via second-round anaconda choke.

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.

February 15, 2014: Victory over Andy Ogle at UFC Fight Night 36

On February 15, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 36, Charles Oliveira defeated Andy Ogle via triangle choke submission, earning a Performance of the Night bonus award.

June 28, 2014: Victory over Hatsu Hioki at UFC Fight Night 43

On June 28, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 43, Charles Oliveira defeated Hatsu Hioki via submission, becoming the first man to finish Hioki, and earning another Performance of the Night award.

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.

December 12, 2014: Victory over Jeremy Stephens at The Ultimate Fighter 20 Finale

On December 12, 2014, at The Ultimate Fighter 20 Finale, Charles Oliveira defeated Jeremy Stephens via unanimous decision.

May 30, 2015: Victory Over Nik Lentz at UFC Fight Night 67

On May 30, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 67, Charles Oliveira defeated Nik Lentz via guillotine choke submission, earning his third Performance of the Night bonus and his third Fight of the Night bonus.

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.

December 19, 2015: Victory Over Myles Jury at UFC on Fox 17

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

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.

April 8, 2017: Victory Over Will Brooks at UFC 210

On April 8, 2017, at UFC 210, Charles Oliveira defeated Will Brooks via rear-naked choke submission in the first round, earning a Performance of the Night bonus.

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.

September 22, 2018: Victory Over Christos Giagos at UFC Fight Night 137

On September 22, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 137, Charles Oliveira defeated Christos Giagos via submission, surpassing Royce Gracie for the most submission wins in UFC history, and earning a Performance of the Night award.

December 15, 2018: Victory Over Jim Miller at UFC on Fox 31

On December 15, 2018, at UFC on Fox 31, Charles Oliveira defeated Jim Miller via rear-naked choke submission, earning a seventh Performance of the Night award and extending the record for most submissions in UFC history.

2018: Joins Chute Boxe Diego Lima

In 2018, Charles Oliveira joined Chute Boxe Diego Lima in São Paulo to improve his striking game, while still working with his BJJ coach Jorge "Macaco" Patino.

February 2, 2019: Victory Over David Teymur at UFC Fight Night 144

On February 2, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 144, Charles Oliveira defeated David Teymur via anaconda choke, extending the UFC record for most submission wins to thirteen and earning a Performance of the Night award.

May 18, 2019: Victory Over Nik Lentz at UFC Fight Night 152

On May 18, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 152, Charles Oliveira defeated Nik Lentz via TKO in the second round, marking the first fight of his new contract.

November 16, 2019: Knockout Victory Against Jared Gordon

On November 16, 2019, Charles Oliveira faced Jared Gordon at UFC Fight Night 164, securing a knockout victory in the first round. This performance earned Oliveira the 'Performance of the Night' award.

January 2020: Grappling Superfight at SFT 20

In January 2020, Charles Oliveira competed in a grappling superfight at the MMA event SFT 20 against Lucas Barros, winning by decision under IBJJF rules.

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.

December 12, 2020: Victory Against Tony Ferguson at UFC 256

On December 12, 2020, Charles Oliveira fought Tony Ferguson at UFC 256, winning by unanimous decision. This marked Oliveira's first decision win since his fight against Jeremy Stephens in 2014.

May 15, 2021: Wins UFC Lightweight Championship

On May 15, 2021, Charles Oliveira defeated Michael Chandler at UFC 262 via TKO to win the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship after Khabib Nurmagomedov's retirement. This victory also earned him the Performance of the Night bonus.

December 11, 2021: First Title Defense Against Dustin Poirier

On December 11, 2021, Charles Oliveira defended his UFC Lightweight title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 269, winning by submission in the third round. This win earned Oliveira his twelfth Performance of the Night bonus.

2021: Participated in Harness Racing

In 2021, Charles Oliveira participated in Harness racing events in São Paulo, winning a race alongside Tim Tetrick. Also, since the end of 2021, he has served as the official ambassador of the football club Corinthians in fighting sports.

October 2022: Corrective Eye Surgery

In October 2022, Charles Oliveira stated his eyes were '100 percent perfect' after undergoing corrective eye surgery.

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.

February 2023: Joins OnlyFans

In February 2023, Charles Oliveira announced that he was joining OnlyFans to provide a subscription-based service to his fans, where they can see his workouts and training regime.

May 6, 2023: Victory Against Beneil Dariush at UFC 289

On May 6, 2023, Charles Oliveira was scheduled to fight Beneil Dariush at UFC 288 but was postponed and took place later at UFC 289 where he won the bout via TKO in the first round, earning his thirteenth Performance of the Night bonus award.

July 2023: Grappling Match Announcement

In July 2023, Renan Barão announced that he had a grappling match arranged with Oliveira for a future BJJ Stars event.

August 6, 2023: BJJ 2 Competition

Charles Oliveira was booked to compete against Cristiano Souza in the main event of Gold Talents BJJ 2 on August 6, 2023.

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.

November 16, 2024: Victory against Michael Chandler at UFC 309

On November 16, 2024, Charles Oliveira faced Michael Chandler in a rematch at UFC 309, winning the fight by unanimous decision. This fight earned him another Fight of the Night award.

April 26, 2025: UFC Forrest Griffin Community Award Recipient

On April 26, 2025, it was announced that Charles Oliveira would receive the 2025 UFC Forrest Griffin Community Award for his institute "ICBronxs", which provides local youth with free education and jiu-jitsu training.

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.

July 29, 2025: UFC Lightweight Rankings

As of July 29, 2025, Charles Oliveira is ranked #4 in the UFC lightweight rankings.

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.

2025: Biopic Announced by 405 Films

In 2025, 405 Films announced it secured the life rights for a biopic based on Charles Oliveira's early years and rise in the UFC. The film will be produced by Eduardo Ferro and shot in Brazil and Las Vegas.