Charles Oliveira, Grappling With Legacy

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The last time we saw Charles Oliveira in action, at UFC 274 in May, he delivered a two-day seminar on how bittersweet mixed martial arts can be.

On May 6, the day before his scheduled title defense against Justin Gaethje, “do Bronx” missed the championship weight limit by half a pound, rendering the next day’s main event a one-sided title fight; if Gaethje won, he would be champ, while a win by Oliveira would leave the title vacant. For fans who remember the Oliveira of a decade ago, the talented but mercurial 23-year-old who could defeat anyone on any given night but was prone to baffling losses and chronic weight problems, it seemed a confirmation of their worst fears. However, on that Saturday in Phoenix, Ariz., Oliveira put forth one of his most impressive performances ever, extending his win streak to 11 straight by throttling Gaethje in the first round. Oliveira’s victory was dominant enough the UFC President Dana White, in the aftermath, proclaimed that while Oliveira had to vacate his title due to the weight miss, he would be first in line to win it back.

The UFC boss was true to his word, and five months later, as he prepares to face Islam Makhachev at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi, with his own erstwhile title on the line, Oliveira took a few moments to speak to Sherdog about that fateful night in Phoenix, about his motivations, and about his upcoming opponent. About the May fiasco, the former champ is philosophical, acknowledging the official result but maintaining his own innocence and leaning on his faith.

“God is wonderful in my life,” Oliveira said. “I’m very thankful, with all that God has given me. I’m on a gigantic win streak, starting in 2018. I’m very happy. I lot of people say I’m the best lightweight in existence. I try not to think about that. I just want to keep making history and adding to my legacy. The most important thing is that I keep dedicating myself and putting in the work.

“Without a doubt, [the weigh-in issue] was an error by the athletic commission. I made the weight. There’s no way to go back and change what happened. I made weight. The lightweight champion is Charles Oliveira. Nothing changes. They tried to mess with my head. They simply increased my fury. Like I told many people, this wasn’t simply about the belt. It was about my history, my legacy. It’s all hard work we’ve been doing while believing in the greatest of dreams.”

His decision to leave everything in his deity’s hands extends to the place and setting of his upcoming fight. From its inception over two years ago, “Fight Island” has served not only as a UFC haven in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, but a convenient springboard for Russian and CIS fighters. The UFC 280 card is packed with fighters from former Soviet republics, and the former champ recognizes that he may be performing for a hostile audience. “Where we fight makes no difference” he said. “I respect everyone, and I deserve respect as well. For sure, some fans will be there rooting for me. Everyone is entitled to their faith and personal thinking. But God is God. I have a lot of faith in that. God never left me. He won’t leave me. I’m confident of my victory in the cage. I’m blessed. I’ll make it happen one more time.”

Oliveira’s thoughts on Makhachev, his upcoming opponent, are slightly more complicated. In talking about the relentless Dagestani grinder, Oliveira walks a tightrope: expressing his respect for Makhachev on one hand; voicing skepticism about the merit of his title shot on the other. “I don’t think the timing is right,” he said. “I don’t think [Makhachev] deserved to fight for the title. He needed one or two more bouts against ranked fighters. He’s on a great winning streak. He deserves my respect. But he didn’t fight anyone in near the top of the rankings.”

As one might expect of the UFC’s all-time leader in submissions and finishes, a veteran of over a dozen years in the Octagon who has seen soaring highs and crushing lows, Oliveira takes things one fight at a time. However, he is also willing to acknowledge that at 33 and fighting the best he ever has, there is also history at play. “Of course, I have to think about my legacy,” he admitted. “But my entire focus is on Makhachev. After that, we’ll see what’s ahead. I want to keep fighting as long as my body allows. A lot can still happen over the next few years.

“I’d like to thank everyone, thank the fans. I’m even more ready this time. I’m happy for everything that’s happened. I’m sure that my God never sleeps. He’s aware of everything that’s been happening. Charles hasn’t changed. I’m the same Charles. I’m a believer. I know that thousands of people will rooting for me. On October 22, our arm will be raised again. We will be victorious.”