Charles Oliveira is a Brazilian mixed martial artist recognized for his submission expertise and long-standing tenure in the UFC. Born on October 17, 1989, in Guarujá, São Paulo, Brazil, Oliveira began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu at a young age and earned his black belt in the discipline. He transitioned to mixed martial arts in his teens, building a strong record in regional promotions before being signed by the UFC in 2010.
Oliveira made an immediate impact in his UFC debut, earning a first-round submission victory and a Performance of the Night bonus. Early in his career, he competed in both the featherweight and lightweight divisions, gaining a reputation for his dynamic grappling and finishing ability. Over time, he set multiple UFC records, including the most submission victories in the promotion’s history.
After returning to lightweight full-time, Oliveira embarked on a winning streak that culminated in capturing the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship in May 2021 with a win over Michael Chandler. He successfully defended the title later that year against Dustin Poirier. Although he later vacated the title due to a weight miss, Oliveira remained a top contender in the division and continued to compete against elite opponents.
Known for his technical skill set, resilience, and evolution as a striker, Charles Oliveira is regarded as one of the most accomplished lightweights in UFC history. He remains an active competitor and a consistent presence at the top of the division.