On this day in 2021, Charles Oliveira produced one of the most remarkable turnarounds in UFC history.
Oliveira is set to face Ilia Topuria in the main event of UFC 317 on June 28 where he will look to reclaim the lightweight title.
For many years, ‘Do Bronx’ was seen as a fun, fan favorite who wasn’t a legitimate contender at featherweight or lightweight after suffering several setbacks.
Following a loss to Paul Felder in 2017, the Brazilian turned things around with a winning streak that included victories over Kevin Lee and Tony Ferguson.
Oliveira then earned his first shot at UFC gold when he faced new arrival Michael Chandler at UFC 262 for the vacant belt after Khabib Nurmagomedov retired.
Charles Oliveira immediately jumped the cage in one of the most emotional celebrations in UFC history
Charles Oliveira was doubted by a lot of fans and opponents but what he achieved at UFC 262 proved that he was a different fighter at this stage in his career.
‘Do Bronx’ had been accused of crumbling under pressure or giving up in the past and Michael Chandler certainly put that to the test on May 15 of 2021.
The first round was about as exciting as you’d expect with these two men facing off inside the Octagon.
They both had their moments with Oliveira threatening from Chandler’s back before the American turned the fight on its head by hurting the Brazilian on the feet, coming incredibly close to putting him away.
As the first round came to a close, it was clear that ‘Iron’ Mike was in the ascendancy after testing his opponent’s chin in the opening stanza.
Unfortunately for Chandler, this version of Oliveira wasn’t going to go away quietly and within the first 10 seconds of the second round, he landed a punch-perfect left hook to send the former Bellator star to the canvas.
The UFC’s record holder for most finishes piled on the pressure to stop Chandler in the following seconds, immediately running over to the other side of the Octagon where he jumped the cage.
Oliveira proceeded to celebrate by dancing and celebrating with the crowd, but not before he left blood on Dana White’s head after sharing a quick embrace with the UFC president.
Charles Oliveira will need that same kind of resistance against Ilia Topuria at UFC 317
Charles Oliveira’s lightweight title reign was defined by the fire fights that he got himself into where his ability to recover from taking damage before putting his opponents away was remarkable.
This didn’t work against Islam Makhachev at UFC 280 because the Russian was far too composed to get drawn into a shootout with one of the roster’s most dangerous gunslingers.
The concern that many fans will have heading into UFC 317 is that when Ilia Topuria lands his power, people tend to fall down.
If Oliveira is going to reclaim the lightweight title on June 28, there’s a good chance that he’ll have to weather some rough storms just like he did at UFC 262.