The boy from the Favela who took over the world. UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira will be looking to defend his title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 269 this weekend. Before the two meet in the octagon we have 5 Charles Oliveira facts you may not have known. “Do Bronx” Oliveira has humble beginnings and struggled greatly on his road to greatness. Given what he has had to do to get a UFC title he won’t be looking to give it up easily. “A guy from the favela, from the community, is taking over the world,” Oliveira said.
5 Charles Oliveira Facts You May Not Have Known
5. He Supports His Community
Shortly after some of his greatest career victories Oliveira never forgot where he came from. Fresh off of his victory over Tony Ferguson Oliveira turned around and donated hundreds of pounds and thousands of dollars worth of food to his home. Prainha Guaruja was hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and needed support. “During this pandemic, y’all know several families struggled,” Oliveira said. “Today, I had the opportunity of donating food to the Prainha community. If you can, please help those who need help. Small efforts can generate huge impacts. Give it a try…I was raised (in that) community, so my friends and I decided to buy (them) food. Basically, these are kits of nonperishable food.”
Additionally, he currently has a project which sponsors children to get off the streets and gets them in a gym. “The main aim of this project is to keep kids away from a life of crime and downfall and shepherd them onto the right path via grappling.” Said Essentially Sports.
4. Charles Oliveira Wasn’t Healthy Enough for Sports
It may seem like an odd fact but a Charles Oliveira fact is that he was not healthy enough to play sports as a child. He loved soccer and always wanted to play it however his body would not allow him. At age 7 he was diagnosed with an abnormal heart murmur, additionally, he had rheumatoid arthritis which was particularly bad in his ankles. Simply, his body could not handle soccer. The young Oliveira spent years in hospitals getting treatment for this medical condition. And at the age of 12, he began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
3. Young Oliveira Helped Support His Family
After years of medical bills, he was forced to help his family in making ends meet. As a child with his mom, he would help her sell cheese salads out of a trailer. It was here he met contacts in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community. Even as he began training his family could not afford to bills to support BJJ training so an uncle of his assisted here. For this period he trained under BJJ World Champion Roger Coelho.
2. Charles Oliveira and Harness Racing
Earlier this year the world champions Charles Oliveira sat down with MMA Sucka and discussed fighting Poirier and also his love of harness racing. Harness racing is a form of horse racing. In 2021 he won a harness exhibition racing match against Hall of Famer Tim Tetrick. “It makes me feel amazing, because sometimes I’m having a tough camp, training like crazy, and I just need a little break…I find peace here.” Oliveira told the UFC.
1. The Record Breaker Charles Oliveira
Charles Oliveira has set many high records in the UFC. He was just 21 years old when he made his UFC debut and has now had 28 fights in the organization. According to the UFC’s record book currently holds the record for most finishes in UFC history with an impressive 17, and most submission wins with 14. In terms of fight night bonuses, he has 17 which put him in second place only behind Donald Cerrone with 18. This weekend at UFC 269 could Oliveira tie this record?
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