Charles Oliveira’s UFC career has been full of huge ups and some emotional downs but his star power is undeniable.
This coming Saturday, Charles Oliveira returns to the Octagon when he takes on Ilia Topuria in the UFC 317 main event for the vacant lightweight title.
It was recently revealed that fellow lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan will weigh-in as the backup for the main event, potentially securing himself a shot against the winner.
Ahead of their clash, in typical Topuria fashion he is exuding confidence and has predicted that he will ‘make Oliveira’s chin explode’, hoping to continue his rise as one of the biggest stars in the sport.
‘Do Bronx’ will be hoping to return to the form that saw him dismantle UFC lightweight boogeyman Tony Ferguson, and his masterclass performance against Michael Chandler last time out.
Oliveira became first fighter ever to earn $1 million from UFC bonuses
Throughout his career, Oliveira has worked tirelessly to turn around his reputation, as during the beginning of his career, the Brazilian was labeled a ‘quitter’ especially following his first main event loss to Max Holloway.
His fortune began to turn around in 2018 when he scored an impressive first round submission over UFC legend Clay Guida, earning himself a bonus in the process.
The Brazilian then went on a legendary 11-fight win streak, picking up eight post-fight bonuses, adding to his star power.
Last November at UFC 309, the Brazilian rematched ‘Iron’ Mike after winning their first meeting at UFC 262 in 2021 to become the new lightweight champion.
Oliveira put on an incredible performance, dominating Chandler over five rounds, picking up the unanimous decision victory.
And not only did his second win over Chandler earn him a shot at the title again, he was awarded another post-fight bonus which made him the first fighter ever to earn over $1 million in post-fight bonuses.
Oliveira could make UFC history with a win at UFC 317
Not only could Oliveira once again become one of the biggest stars in the sport with a win over the Spaniard, but he could separate himself from the rest of the lightweight champions in history.
Islam Makhachev is widely regarded as the greatest lightweight of all time, over Khabib Nurmagomedov, because of the fact that he has the most title defenses in the division’s history.
However, the 35-year-old Brazilian could become the first UFC fighter in lightweight history to become a two-time 155lb champion if he beats Topuria at UFC 317.