Charles Oliveira, head-and-shoulders portrait
Do Bronx

Charles Oliveira

Lightweight
Orthodox
UFC finish record
Record Record: 37-11-0
Wins
37
Losses
11
Draws
0
10KO/TKO
22Sub
5Dec
View full record ↓

Vitals

Height, reach, and career background.

Age36
Height1.78 m
Reach188 cm
Stance StanceWhich side a fighter leads from — a striking term, not a religious one. Orthodox: right-handed, left foot and hand forward (the common default). Southpaw: the mirror image, right side forward (usually a left-hander). Switch: changes between the two during a fight.Orthodox
NationalityBrazil
TeamChute Boxe Diego Lima
Weight classLightweight
Active2008-present

Record

Tap any fight for the breakdown.

WinDEC
Opponent: Max HollowayunanimousR5
UFC 326
7 Mar 2026

Oliveira turned the BMF title fight into a control-heavy grappling performance. He scored takedowns in every round, limited Holloway's volume and swept the cards 50-45 across the board to take the ceremonial belt.

Key moments

  • Won the BMF title from Holloway.
  • Scored takedowns in all five rounds.
  • Controlled the grappling enough to sweep all three scorecards.
  • Blunted Holloway's usual volume with top control and clinch pressure.
WinSUB
Opponent: Mateusz Gamrotrear-naked chokeR2
UFC Rio
11 Oct 2025

Oliveira rebounded from the Topuria knockout by meeting a strong grappler on home soil and still finding the finish. He forced extended scrambles, took the back and secured the rear-naked choke in the second round.

Key moments

  • Returned in Brazil after losing the vacant lightweight title fight.
  • Beat a high-level wrestler and scrambler at his own pace.
  • Took the back and finished with a second-round rear-naked choke.
LossKO
Opponent: Ilia TopuriapunchesR1 2:27
UFC 317
28 Jun 2025

Oliveira tried to layer pressure, takedowns and leg-lock looks immediately, but Topuria stayed composed through the grappling threats. Once the fight returned to boxing range, Topuria landed a clean right-left and finished with follow-up shots to claim lightweight gold.

Key moments

  • Opened with pressure and early grappling threats.
  • Topuria defended the takedown and leg-lock sequences.
  • A right-left combination badly hurt Oliveira in round one.
  • The stoppage came at 2:27, giving Topuria a second UFC title.
WinDEC
Opponent: Michael ChandlerunanimousR5
UFC 309
16 Nov 2024

Oliveira won the Chandler rematch by repeatedly putting the fight in grappling positions and surviving the late chaos Chandler always brings. His control and cleaner work over five rounds carried the decision.

Key moments

  • Won the five-round rematch with grappling control.
  • Managed Chandler's late power surges without losing the fight's shape.
  • Kept himself in the lightweight title picture after the Tsarukyan loss.
LossDEC
Opponent: Arman TsarukyansplitR3
UFC 300
13 Apr 2024

Oliveira started and finished with real submission danger, but Tsarukyan's wrestling, top control and damage between those moments edged a narrow split decision. The fight showed Oliveira's finishing threat never disappears, even when he is losing minutes.

Key moments

  • Threatened early with a tight guillotine.
  • Tsarukyan answered with wrestling and top control.
  • Oliveira attacked late submissions, but the judges gave Tsarukyan the split decision.
WinTKO
Opponent: Beneil DariushpunchesR1 4:10
UFC 289
10 Jun 2023

Oliveira stopped Dariush — who entered on an eight-fight winning streak — in the first round at UFC 289 in Vancouver, firmly re-entering the lightweight title picture. He dropped Dariush with a head kick early, survived a stint on the bottom, then wobbled Dariush again with a follow-up punch and finished with hammerfists.

Key moments

  • Dariush entered on the longest active win streak in the lightweight division.
  • Oliveira cracked Dariush with a hard head kick in the opening seconds.
  • Fought off bottom position before returning to his feet and hurting Dariush again.
  • Finished with hammerfists and called out Islam Makhachev post-fight.
LossSUB
Opponent: Islam Makhachevarm-triangle chokeR2 3:16
UFC 280
22 Oct 2022

Oliveira challenged for the vacant lightweight title in Abu Dhabi, controlling early action before Makhachev dropped him with a left hand and locked in an arm-triangle choke to end the fight in round two. The loss handed Makhachev his eleventh consecutive win and the lightweight belt.

Key moments

  • A vacant-title fight in Abu Dhabi with Oliveira having been stripped for a weight miss.
  • Oliveira was competitive in the early exchanges before being dropped by a left hand.
  • Makhachev followed him to the canvas and secured the arm-triangle choke.
  • Oliveira tapped quickly once Makhachev stepped out of half-guard and set the choke.
WinSUB
Opponent: Justin Gaethjerear-naked chokeR1 3:22
UFC 274
7 May 2022

In one of the most dramatic first rounds in UFC history, Oliveira was dropped twice by Gaethje but rose each time and found the finish. He hurt Gaethje with a right hand down the middle, followed him to the canvas, and locked in a rear-naked choke — though the title remained vacant because Oliveira had missed weight by half a pound at the weigh-in.

Key moments

  • Oliveira was knocked down twice in the same round, yet kept attacking.
  • A right hand down the middle shifted the fight; Oliveira followed Gaethje to the floor.
  • Secured a triangle and transitioned to the rear-naked choke for the tap at 3:22.
  • The belt stayed vacant — only Gaethje could have won it, because Oliveira missed weight.
WinSUB
Opponent: Dustin Poirierrear-naked chokeR3 1:02
UFC 269
11 Dec 2021

Oliveira retained the lightweight title in a wildly competitive fight, surviving a punishing first round to outgrapple Poirier over the next two. He lured Poirier into the reckless scramble pace he thrives in and took his back in the third round to seal it with a rear-naked choke.

Key moments

  • Entered as an underdog and survived a brutal first round from Poirier.
  • Rallied across rounds two and three with superior grappling and scrambling.
  • Took Poirier's back and locked in the rear-naked choke at 1:02 of round three.
  • Retained the belt in a fight that contended for Fight of the Year.
WinTKO
Opponent: Michael ChandlerpunchesR2 0:19
UFC 262
15 May 2021

Oliveira claimed the vacant lightweight title in Houston by rallying from two first-round knockdowns to stop Chandler just 19 seconds into round two. After absorbing serious punishment in the first, he found a clean left hook that dropped Chandler and followed with short left hands until the referee stopped it.

Key moments

  • Knocked down twice in a brutal first round — the fight nearly ended before it began.
  • Came out swinging in round two and caught Chandler with a clean left hook.
  • Short left hands finished the job 19 seconds into round two.
  • His ninth consecutive win, eight by finish, gave him his first UFC title.
WinDEC
Opponent: Tony FergusonunanimousR3
UFC 256
12 Dec 2020

Oliveira dominated Ferguson in the most significant win of his career at that point, taking Ferguson down in each round and controlling him on the ground while threatening with submissions throughout. All three judges scored it 30-26, and the near-armbar finish in round one previewed the danger that Ferguson had no answer for.

Key moments

  • Took Ferguson down in the opening round and came inches from a fight-ending armbar.
  • Controlled Ferguson on top and in scrambles across all three rounds.
  • Threatened a triangle choke late in the final round as Ferguson showed no defensive answer.
  • His eighth consecutive win put him firmly in the title conversation.
WinSUB
Opponent: Kevin Leeguillotine chokeR3 0:28
UFC Fight Night: Lee vs. Oliveira
14 Mar 2020

Oliveira headlined a crowd-free card in Brasilia and submitted Kevin Lee in the third round to extend his winning streak to seven, a run built entirely on finishes. Lee shot for a takedown in round three; Oliveira caught the neck on the way down and squeezed the guillotine for the tap just 28 seconds in.

Key moments

  • The card ran without a live audience due to early COVID-19 restrictions.
  • Oliveira controlled the first two rounds on the scorecards.
  • Lee shot for a takedown in round three; Oliveira grabbed the neck and finished instantly.
  • Extended his UFC record for most submission wins in history.
WinKO
Opponent: Jared GordonpunchesR1 1:26
UFC Fight Night: Blachowicz vs. Jacare
16 Nov 2019

Oliveira needed just 86 seconds to finish Gordon on home soil in Sao Paulo, catching him with a right counter that wobbled him along the cage and then following with a vicious uppercut to put him down. The quick knockout extended his run to six straight wins, all by finish.

Key moments

  • Fought in Sao Paulo, Brazil, to a home-crowd reception.
  • A right counter caught Gordon moving forward along the cage.
  • A follow-up uppercut put Gordon down and the referee called it at 1:26.
  • Six straight wins, all by knockout or submission, going into 2020.
WinTKO
Opponent: Nik LentzpunchesR2 2:11
UFC Fight Night: dos Anjos vs. Lee
18 May 2019

Oliveira completed a trilogy sweep of Lentz with a striking-based finish in Rochester — his first TKO in the UFC and his first knockout in nine years of fighting. He caught a kick and immediately countered with a right hand through the middle; Lentz dropped and the follow-up hammerfists brought the stoppage.

Key moments

  • Third fight with Lentz in their career; Oliveira took the trilogy 2-1 with the NC excluded.
  • Dominated early with jiu-jitsu threats before finding the knockout.
  • Caught a kick and counter-punched Lentz flush; follow-up hammerfists ended it at 2:11.
  • First TKO win for Oliveira in the UFC; locked up his fifth straight finish at 155.
WinSUB
Opponent: David Teymuranaconda chokeR2 0:55
UFC Fight Night: Assuncao vs. Moraes 2
2 Feb 2019

Oliveira overcame a bad eye poke from Teymur — which cost Teymur a point deduction — and finished the fight in the second round with an upward elbow that stunned his opponent, then seized the anaconda choke when Teymur turned away to defend. It was his 13th UFC submission, pushing past Royce Gracie's record.

Key moments

  • Teymur was docked a point for a deliberate eye poke early in the fight.
  • Oliveira stunned Teymur with an upward elbow on the feet in round two.
  • Grabbed the anaconda choke when Teymur turned and forced the tap at 0:55.
  • Extended his own UFC submission record to 13, surpassing Royce Gracie.
WinSUB
Opponent: Jim Millerrear-naked chokeR1 1:15
UFC on Fox: Lee vs. Iaquinta 2
15 Dec 2018

Oliveira avenged a 2010 submission loss to Miller in the most efficient way possible: a body-lock takedown in the first minute that put him straight to Miller's back, rear-naked choke locked in by 1:15. The win was his seventh Performance of the Night bonus and pushed his UFC submission record to 12.

Key moments

  • A rematch eight years in the making; Miller had submitted Oliveira via kneebar in 2010.
  • Oliveira stepped in immediately, grabbed a body lock and threw Miller to the canvas.
  • Took the back instantly and locked the rear-naked choke for the tap at 1:15.
  • Seventh Performance of the Night bonus; UFC submission record extended to 12.
WinSUB
Opponent: Christos Giagosrear-naked chokeR2 3:22
UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Anders
22 Sep 2018

Oliveira ground out a second-round rear-naked choke finish in Sao Paulo against Giagos, who had defended several early takedowns and shown solid scramble work before Oliveira timed a takedown perfectly in round two and moved to his back. The win made Oliveira the outright UFC submission leader with 11.

Key moments

  • Giagos defended takedowns and scrambled well in the first round.
  • Oliveira timed a takedown in round two and quickly reached the back position.
  • Rear-naked choke forced the tap at 3:22 of round two.
  • Surpassed Royce Gracie for most submission wins in UFC history with his 11th.
WinSUB
Opponent: Clay Guidaguillotine chokeR1 2:18
UFC 225
9 Jun 2018

Oliveira returned to winning ways with a first-round guillotine of Guida in Chicago, tying Royce Gracie's record of 10 UFC submission wins in the process. He caught Guida along the fence and dropped his hips to tighten the choke until Guida had no choice but to tap.

Key moments

  • First fight back after the Paul Felder TKO loss; returned with authority.
  • Caught Guida pressing forward and locked a guillotine from the clinch at 2:18.
  • Tied Royce Gracie for most submission wins in UFC history with his 10th.
  • Performance of the Night bonus in Chicago.
LossTKO
Opponent: Paul FelderelbowsR2 4:06
UFC 218
2 Dec 2017

Felder stopped Oliveira in round two in Detroit, surviving early choke attempts and then battering Oliveira with elbows from inside guard. Oliveira kept searching for submissions even as the ground-and-pound mounted, but Felder's pace was too much and the referee halted it just before the round ended.

Key moments

  • Oliveira initiated multiple choke attempts in the first round but Felder survived.
  • Felder gained confidence and began landing elbows from inside Oliveira's guard.
  • Dropped Oliveira with an elbow in round two and kept throwing strikes.
  • Referee stopped it at 4:06 of the second; Felder collected a Performance bonus.
WinSUB
Opponent: Will Brooksrear-naked chokeR1 2:30
UFC 210
8 Apr 2017

Oliveira made a smooth return to lightweight at UFC 210 in Buffalo, taking Brooks down along the cage and immediately going to the back for a standing rear-naked choke that forced the tap at 2:30 of the first round. The efficient finish earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.

Key moments

  • First fight at lightweight after a stretch at featherweight.
  • Slick cage takedown opened the path straight to Brooks's back.
  • Standing rear-naked choke forced the tap at 2:30 of round one.
  • Performance of the Night bonus for the dominant finish.
LossSUB
Opponent: Ricardo Lamasguillotine chokeR2 2:13
TUF Latin America 3 Finale
5 Nov 2016

Oliveira missed the featherweight limit by nine pounds and the bout was rescheduled as a catchweight contest in Mexico City. Lamas, fighting with nothing to lose on the scale, caught Oliveira in a guillotine choke in round two and earned a Performance of the Night bonus for the finish.

Key moments

  • Oliveira weighed in nine pounds over the 146 lb allowance; fight moved to catchweight.
  • Lamas was awarded a Performance of the Night bonus for the second-round finish.
  • The guillotine came at 2:13 of the second round.
  • A weight miss that compounded a rough 2016 run for Oliveira at featherweight.
LossSUB
Opponent: Anthony Pettisguillotine chokeR3 1:49
UFC on Fox: Maia vs. Condit
27 Aug 2016

Oliveira was in command through the first two rounds, scoring takedowns and threatening repeatedly with back control and body triangles, yet Pettis found a guillotine during a third-round scramble and submitted him at 1:49. The dramatic reversal cost Oliveira what had looked like a likely decision win.

Key moments

  • Dominated the first two rounds with takedowns and grappling control.
  • Pettis survived repeated back-take attempts without giving up the choke.
  • A third-round scramble to the feet opened the guillotine opportunity for Pettis.
  • Tapped at 1:49 of round three in a stunning turnaround.
WinSUB
Opponent: Myles Juryguillotine chokeR1 3:05
UFC on Fox: dos Anjos vs. Cerrone 2
19 Dec 2015

Oliveira welcomed Jury to featherweight with a first-round guillotine in Orlando, hunting the neck from the clinch and squeezing the tap at 3:05. It was contested at a catchweight because Oliveira again missed weight, and afterwards he called out Conor McGregor.

Key moments

  • Jury was making his featherweight debut after losses at lightweight.
  • Oliveira missed weight — a recurring issue — and the bout was at catchweight.
  • Caught Jury in a guillotine from standing clinch and forced the tap at 3:05.
  • Called out Conor McGregor from the Octagon post-fight.
LossTKO
Opponent: Max HollowayinjuryR1 1:39
UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. Oliveira
23 Aug 2015

Oliveira's headlining fight in Saskatoon ended abruptly when he attempted a takedown and immediately grabbed at his neck and shoulder. He was unable to continue and was taken off on a stretcher; the stoppage was ruled a TKO due to injury. Later reports indicated a pre-existing neck issue rather than a new acute injury.

Key moments

  • The headlining featherweight bout in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
  • Oliveira attempted a takedown and instantly grabbed his neck and shoulder area.
  • Medical staff fitted him with a neck brace and removed him on a stretcher.
  • Post-fight reports attributed the stoppage to a flare-up of a neck issue from training camp.
WinSUB
Opponent: Nik Lentzguillotine chokeR3 1:10
UFC Fight Night: Condit vs. Alves
30 May 2015

Oliveira and Lentz produced an entertaining back-and-forth rematch in Goiania before Oliveira sealed it with a deep guillotine just over a minute into the final round. Lentz had won the second round to keep it close, but Oliveira caught the neck when Lentz closed the distance in round three and refused to let go.

Key moments

  • A competitive rematch after their 2011 no-contest; both men had improved.
  • Lentz pushed back in round two to keep the scorecards tight through two.
  • Oliveira locked a guillotine choke when Lentz rushed in to start round three.
  • Both men earned Fight of the Night bonuses; Oliveira also earned Performance of the Night.
WinDEC
Opponent: Jeremy StephensunanimousR3
TUF 20 Finale
12 Dec 2014

Oliveira controlled Stephens for three rounds at the TUF 20 Finale in Las Vegas, landing at least three tight armbar attempts along with multiple choke looks en route to the unanimous decision. It was a points victory rather than a finish, but Oliveira missed weight by 0.5 lbs and could only win with a three-round decision.

Key moments

  • Oliveira missed weight by half a pound and was fined 20 percent of his purse.
  • Threatened with at least three armbar attempts and numerous choke attempts throughout.
  • Controlled the grappling exchanges in all three rounds.
  • Third straight win coming into a strong 2015 campaign.
WinSUB
Opponent: Hatsu Hiokianaconda chokeR2 4:32
UFC Fight Night: Te Huna vs. Marquardt
28 Jun 2014

Oliveira became the first fighter to finish Hioki, applying an anaconda choke in the second round in Auckland to earn a Performance of the Night bonus. Hioki had entered unfinished in 27 UFC bouts combined; Oliveira ended that streak just before the round closed.

Key moments

  • Hioki had never been finished in his professional career before this bout.
  • Oliveira found the anaconda choke late in round two, forcing the tap at 4:32.
  • First man to finish Hioki in MMA; earned a Performance of the Night bonus.
  • Part of a three-fight winning streak building toward title contention.
WinSUB
Opponent: Andy Ogletriangle chokeR3 2:40
UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Mousasi
15 Feb 2014

Oliveira dominated Ogle on the ground from the opening bell in Brazil, cycling through rear-naked choke, D'arce and guillotine attempts across the first two rounds before luring Ogle into a triangle in the third. When Ogle sprawled a takedown and landed on top, Oliveira locked the triangle from the bottom for the tap.

Key moments

  • Controlled Ogle for the better part of the fight with grappling dominance.
  • Cycled through rear-naked, D'arce and guillotine choke attempts before finding the finish.
  • Ogle sprawled a takedown in round three and landed in a triangle from the bottom.
  • Fifth submission win in the UFC; sixth Performance of the Night bonus.
LossDEC
Opponent: Frankie EdgarunanimousR3
UFC 162
6 Jul 2013

Oliveira gave a game effort against Edgar in the UFC 162 co-main event, threatening with submission attempts throughout and surviving a badly hurt third round, but Edgar's output and pressure earned a clear unanimous decision. Scorecards of 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28 reflected Edgar's control despite Oliveira's constant submission threats.

Key moments

  • Co-main event of the card that also featured Silva vs. Weidman.
  • Edgar used a takedown off his opening combination to establish top position.
  • Oliveira threatened with submissions consistently but Edgar managed the danger.
  • Edgar hurt Oliveira in the third round but couldn't finish; judges gave it 30-27, 30-27, 29-28.
LossKO
Opponent: Cub SwansonpunchR1 2:40
UFC 152
22 Sep 2012

Swanson opened UFC 152 with a highlight-reel knockout, clipping Oliveira with a right hand that produced a delayed collapse at 2:40 of round one. Oliveira had taken Swanson down early but couldn't capitalise; after returning to the feet he took the punch and crumpled with a delayed reaction that drew a Knockout of the Night bonus.

Key moments

  • Oliveira scored an early takedown but couldn't hold Swanson on the canvas.
  • Swanson landed a right hand to the jaw that produced an unusual delayed-reaction KO.
  • Fight ended at 2:40 of round one; Swanson collected $65,000 Knockout of the Night.
  • First career knockout loss for Oliveira.
WinSUB
Opponent: Jonathan Brookinsanaconda chokeR2 2:42
TUF 15 Finale
1 Jun 2012

Oliveira used his striking to control the first round, then secured a takedown in the second and worked his way to a choke finish at the TUF 15 Finale in Las Vegas. He briefly found himself in danger of the same choke before escaping and locking in his own hold for the tap at 2:42.

Key moments

  • Won the striking exchanges in round one before taking it to the ground in round two.
  • Briefly found himself trapped in a choke attempt before escaping.
  • Pushed Brookins against the cage and secured the choke for the tap at 2:42.
  • Third UFC win, reinforcing his reputation as the most dangerous submission artist on the roster.
WinSUB
Opponent: Eric Wiselycalf slicerR1 1:43
UFC on Fox: Evans vs. Davis
28 Jan 2012

Oliveira made his featherweight debut with a piece of UFC history: the first-ever calf slicer submission finish in Octagon history. He worked through a heel hook and a knee bar attempt before locking the calf slicer that forced Wisely's tap at 1:43 of round one, earning Submission of the Night.

Key moments

  • Featherweight debut; had previously competed at lightweight in the UFC.
  • Attempted a heel hook and kneebar before transitioning to the calf slicer.
  • The first calf slicer submission finish in UFC history at the time.
  • Submission of the Night bonus worth $65,000.
LossTKO
Opponent: Donald CerronepunchesR1 3:01
UFC on Versus: Hardy vs. Lytle
14 Aug 2011

Cerrone stopped Oliveira inside three minutes with a brutal sequence: a left hook to the body that buckled Oliveira, a follow-up knee on the way down, and ground-and-pound until the stoppage. It was Cerrone's first career TKO finish and Oliveira's first professional knockout loss.

Key moments

  • Cerrone stepped in as a late replacement opponent.
  • A left hook to the body bent Oliveira in two; a knee clipped him on the way down.
  • Ground-and-pound finished it at 3:01 of round one.
  • First career knockout loss for Oliveira; Cerrone earned Knockout of the Night.
NCNC
Opponent: Nik Lentzillegal kneeR2 1:48
UFC on Versus: Kongo vs. Barry
26 Jun 2011

Oliveira appeared to win by submission in round two but the result was overturned to a no-contest by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission. Video review revealed he had struck Lentz with an illegal knee to the head while Lentz had both knees on the mat, and the commission ruled the subsequent submission was achieved with the benefit of that illegal blow.

Key moments

  • Oliveira's apparent submission victory was overturned post-event.
  • The Pennsylvania SAC reviewed video and found an illegal knee to a grounded Lentz.
  • Both fighters received Fight of the Night bonuses despite the no-contest ruling.
  • Set up a long rivalry with Lentz that stretched across three eventual bouts.
LossSUB
Opponent: Jim MillerkneebarR1 1:59
UFC 124
11 Dec 2010

Oliveira's UFC debut against Miller in Montreal ended in his first professional loss: Miller survived an early barrage of arm bars and triangles, then applied a kneebar at 1:59 of round one. The finish reversed the attacking flow — it was Oliveira who had been hunting submissions, and Miller who found one first.

Key moments

  • UFC debut against an established lightweight contender in Montreal.
  • Opened with high kicks and multiple takedown attempts.
  • Attacked arm bars and triangles from the bottom but Miller survived.
  • Miller locked a kneebar and forced the tap at 1:59 — Oliveira's first professional loss.
WinSUB
Opponent: Efrain Escuderorear-naked chokeR3 2:25
UFC Fight Night: Marquardt vs. Palhares
15 Sep 2010

Oliveira submitted Escudero with a standing rear-naked choke in round three in his second UFC appearance, earning Submission of the Night. He scored a takedown, defended Escudero's armbar counter and then took the back when Escudero scrambled to his feet, choking him out from standing.

Key moments

  • Second UFC appearance; the bout was at catchweight after Escudero weighed in at 159 lb.
  • Oliveira scored a takedown and defended a counter armbar from Escudero.
  • Took Escudero's back when he scrambled upright and locked a standing rear-naked choke.
  • Submission of the Night bonus for the creative finish.
WinSUB
Opponent: Darren Elkinstriangle armbarR1 0:41
UFC on Versus: Jones vs. Matyushenko
1 Aug 2010

Oliveira announced himself to the UFC in spectacular fashion, finishing Elkins in 41 seconds on debut. He was taken down by Elkins but immediately attacked a triangle choke and transitioned to an armbar that forced the tap — the first of what would become the UFC's most submission wins in history.

Key moments

  • UFC debut; originally scheduled for the TUF Finale but rescheduled due to visa issues.
  • Was taken down by Elkins but turned it immediately into a submission attempt.
  • Triangle choke transitioned to armbar; Elkins tapped at 0:41.
  • Submission of the Night bonus on debut; career submission record opened at one.
WinKO
Opponent: Diego BattagliaslamR1
Warriors Challenge 5
14 Feb 2010

Oliveira fought twice in one night at Warriors Challenge 5 in Porto Belo, Brazil, with the tournament final against Battaglia ending in a first-round KO via slam. The back-to-back wins pushed his professional record to 12-0 heading into his UFC signing.

Key moments

  • Second fight of the night in a one-night tournament at Warriors Challenge 5.
  • Finished Battaglia with a slam KO in round one to claim the tournament.
  • Improved to 12-0 as a professional; signed with the UFC shortly after.
  • All twelve wins to this point had come by knockout or submission.
WinSUB
Opponent: Rosenildo Rocharear-naked chokeR1 1:21
Warriors Challenge 5
14 Feb 2010

Oliveira opened the Warriors Challenge 5 tournament on Valentine's Day in Porto Belo with a quick first-round rear-naked choke of Rocha, setting up the same-night final against Battaglia. Consistent with his pattern, the finish came from grappling control rather than extended exchanges.

Key moments

  • First fight of the night in a one-night tournament format.
  • Rear-naked choke finished Rocha at 1:21 of round one.
  • Part of an 11-fight unbeaten run being built on finishes.
  • Set up a same-night final against Diego Battaglia.
WinDEC
Opponent: Eduardo PachusplitR3
Eagle FC 1
26 Sep 2009

Oliveira went the distance for one of the few times in his early career, earning a split decision over Pachu at Eagle Fighting Championship 1. The narrow result was an anomaly in a pre-UFC run otherwise dominated by finishes.

Key moments

  • One of a handful of decision wins in an otherwise finish-heavy early career.
  • Split decision over three rounds at Eagle FC's inaugural event.
  • Part of a busy 2009 that saw Oliveira fight six times across multiple promotions.
  • Maintained his unbeaten record despite the closest fight of his young career.
WinSUB
Opponent: Alexandre Bezerraanaconda chokeR2 1:11
First Class Fight 3
18 Sep 2009

Oliveira submitted Bezerra with an anaconda choke in the second round at First Class Fight 3, adding another submission finish to a pre-UFC run built entirely on stoppages. The result kept his perfect record intact in the weeks before his Eagle FC appearance.

Key moments

  • Anaconda choke finish in round two at a Brazilian regional promotion.
  • Part of a six-fight year in 2009 across multiple Brazilian organizations.
  • Continued a pattern of submission variety; had already shown rear-naked choke and triangle armbar finishes.
  • One of two September 2009 fights as Oliveira ramped up activity before his UFC signing.
WinSUB
Opponent: Dom Stancorear-naked chokeR1 3:33
Ring of Combat 24
17 Apr 2009

Oliveira travelled to Atlantic City for Ring of Combat 24 and submitted Stanco with a rear-naked choke in the first round, claiming the ROC catchweight title in the process. The win was one of his few appearances outside Brazil before signing with the UFC.

Key moments

  • Fought in Atlantic City, New Jersey — a rare appearance outside Brazil for the young Oliveira.
  • Rear-naked choke finished Stanco at 3:33 of round one.
  • Claimed the ROC Vacant Catchweight Championship at 159 lbs.
  • Part of an unbeaten run through 2008-2009 that caught the UFC's attention.
WinSUB
Opponent: Carlos Soarestriangle armbarR1 2:48
Jungle Fight 12
21 Mar 2009

Oliveira defeated Soares with an inverted triangle armbar at Jungle Fight 12: Warriors 2 in Brazil, maintaining his unbeaten record through seven professional fights. The technical finish demonstrated the breadth of his submission game even at this early stage.

Key moments

  • Seventh professional fight; unbeaten run continued at Jungle Fight.
  • Finished with an inverted triangle armbar at 2:48 of round one.
  • One of several distinct submission types Oliveira had already shown before turning 20.
  • Jungle Fight was one of Brazil's premier regional MMA platforms at the time.
WinKO
Opponent: Daniel FernandesR1
Korea Fight 1
29 Dec 2008

Oliveira entered a one-night tournament at Korea Fight 1 in Sao Paulo on New Year's Eve and opened with a first-round KO of Fernandes. Details beyond the result and method are sparse for this early regional event.

Key moments

  • First fight of a same-night tournament at Korea Fight 1 in Sao Paulo.
  • First-round KO finish; consistent with his pattern of quick stoppages.
  • Sixth professional fight; still unbeaten heading into the second bout of the night.
  • Korea Fight 1 was a regional Brazilian promotion with limited public documentation.
WinTKO
Opponent: Elieni SilvaR2
Korea Fight 1
29 Dec 2008

Oliveira completed the Korea Fight 1 tournament with a second-round TKO of Silva on the same night he had knocked out Fernandes. The back-to-back wins brought his professional record to 7-0, all by finish.

Key moments

  • Tournament final on the same night as the Fernandes KO.
  • TKO finish in round two; pushed his perfect record to 7-0.
  • All seven wins to this point were by knockout or submission.
  • Set the stage for a busy 2009 campaign across multiple promotions.
WinTKO
Opponent: Mehdi BaghdadpunchesR1 1:01
Kawai Arena 1
13 Dec 2008

Oliveira stopped Baghdad — a fighter who would later appear in the UFC — by TKO punches in the first round at the inaugural Kawai Arena event in Brazil. The win marked his lightweight debut after competing at heavier weights in the Predador FC tournament earlier that year.

Key moments

  • Lightweight debut; had previously competed at a higher weight at Predador FC 9.
  • Baghdad was a legitimate prospect who later fought in the UFC.
  • TKO by punches at 1:01 of round one at the Kawai Arena inaugural event.
  • Part of an extraordinary six-fight year in 2008 for the teenage Oliveira.
WinSUB
Opponent: Jackson Pontesrear-naked chokeR1 2:11
Predador FC 9
15 Mar 2008

Oliveira opened the Predador FC 9 welterweight grand prix with a first-round rear-naked choke of Pontes, advancing to the next stage of the same-night tournament. It was his professional debut, and the clean submission finish set the tone for the career that followed.

Key moments

  • Professional MMA debut at Predador FC 9 in a one-night grand prix format.
  • Rear-naked choke finished Pontes at 2:11 of round one.
  • Advanced to the next round of the tournament on debut night.
  • The first of what would become the most submission wins in UFC history.
WinTKO
Opponent: Viscardi AndradepunchesR2 2:47
Predador FC 9
15 Mar 2008

Oliveira's second fight of the night at Predador FC 9 was a second-round TKO of Andrade, advancing him to the tournament final. The punching finish showed early versatility beyond pure grappling.

Key moments

  • Second fight of the night in the one-night Predador FC 9 grand prix.
  • TKO by punches at 2:47 of the second round; different finish method from the opener.
  • Advanced to the tournament final on the same evening.
  • Two fights in one night on his debut day — a gruelling format for any professional.
WinTKO
Opponent: Diego BragapunchesR1 2:30
Predador FC 9
15 Mar 2008

Oliveira won the Predador FC 9 welterweight grand prix by stopping Braga with punches in the first round of the tournament final, completing three fights in one night on his professional debut. The performance announced a precocious teenager with the finishing instinct and conditioning to thrive in tournament formats.

Key moments

  • Tournament final — Oliveira's third fight of the night on his professional debut.
  • TKO by punches at 2:30 of round one to claim the Predador FC 9 grand prix title.
  • Finished all three opponents on debut night without going past the second round.
  • The three-fight debut night launched one of MMA's most prolific finishing careers.

The Read

Style, strengths, and where this fighter stands.

Oliveira is the UFC's great chaos finisher: pressure striking, opportunistic submissions and the confidence to attack from positions other fighters avoid. His record is built on front-foot danger, with the most submission wins and most finishes in UFC history.

The late-career version has been volatile but still elite. Topuria knocked him out at UFC 317, yet Oliveira rebounded with grappling-heavy wins over Mateusz Gamrot and Max Holloway. When he can force clinches, takedowns and scrambles, he remains one of lightweight's hardest fighters to control safely.

Signature Fights

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