Charles Oliveira is the new lightweight champion following his victory at UFC 262. Moreover, the Brazilian is now the fighter with the maximum number of fights before becoming champion.
‘Do Bronx’ was victorious after a very entertaining fight against Michael Chandler. Although it seemed like Charles was about to lose the fight after the first round, he came out all guns blazing in the second. Eventually, Oliveira was successful and won against Chandler via KO/TKO.
In doing so, Oliveira rightfully lay claim to the belt vacated by Khabib Nurmagomedov. Furthermore, no UFC Champion has had more fights before becoming champion than Oliveira. In response to this, Charles writes, “Believe in yourself! Turmoils are part of our lives. Overcomin’ ‘em makes you stronger. God bless us”.
Believe in yourself!
Turmoils are part of our lives. Overcomin’ ‘em makes you stronger. God bless us.#AFavelaVenceuAcredite em você!
Altos e baixos fazem parte das nossas vidas. Superar momentos ruims te deixa mais forte. Deus nos abençoe.#UFC https://t.co/LAY364em25— Charles Oliveira (@CharlesDoBronxs) May 17, 2021
Additionally, Charles is one of the longest active fighters in the UFC. Oliviera ( 31-8-0) made his UFC debut against Darren Elkins on 2nd August 2010. Hence, he has been fighting for 11 years, striving and working hard for his eventual title.
Although he lacks the public approach such as the likes of Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor, he more than makes up for it in the Octagon. Oliveira has now won nine straight fights, with eight of those victories ending by knockout or submission. The only exception is a unanimous decision victory over Tony Ferguson at UFC 256.
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What’s Next For Charles Oliveira?
Although Charles Oliveira is now the king of the lightweight division, he is not yet ruling out a potential return to the featherweight division. Previously, ‘Charlie Olives’ was a very promising up-and-coming fighter in the featherweight division. Unfortunately, he would often miss weight and not perform against the big dogs: Lamas, Anthony Pettis, Max Holloway, Frankie Edgar, and Cub Swanson.
Charles Oliveira of Brazil punches Michael Chandler in their UFC lightweight championship bout at Toyota Center on May 15, 2021, in Houston, Texas. (Credits: Getty Images)
However, following a move up to lightweight, Oliveira has won 10 of 11 fights. From being seen as a ‘gatekeeper’ and ‘journeyman’, Charles has superseded all expectations to become champion. As such, many suspect that Oliveira’s 9-7 record in the featherweight division led to him being denied a title shot sooner.
“That’s the past,” Oliveira says. “I’m not even living that, I’m living in the present, I’m living this moment now”. Next, Oliveira will have his eyes set on McGregor vs Poirier 3 to determine who the No.1 contender will be.
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