The Charles Oliveira next fight news has arrived, and the lightweight legend has set up his return for this October in Brazil. But who will he be facing?
Also Read: UFC tonight – Full fight card, start time, TV info for Saturday’s UFC event
Who will Charles Oliveira next fight be against?
Following his devastating knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in June, “Do Bronx” will be back in action one more time in 2025. The former UFC champion has booked an October clash in Rio de Janeiro against dangerous, ranked striker, Rafael Fiziev.
How to watch Charles Oliveira vs. Rafael Fiziev in October
- Oliveira vs. Fiziev will serve as the main event of UFC Rio on October 11
- The event will take place at the Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- The card will air exclusively on ESPN+
Charles Oliveira vs. Rafael Fiziev preview
At 35, Father Time is starting to creep up on the Brazilian MMA legend. If he hopes to remain in the title hunt and lock up big money fights over the next couple of years, Oliveira must score a win in October.
Home country favorite: Oliveira’s next fight will be his first in his home nation in five years. Since then, “Do Bronx” has created a resume that places him amongst the greatest Brazilian fighters ever. While he will have massive pressure to perform well in front of his countrymen, the Rio crowd will be raucous in support of him. Giving him a big adrenaline advantage on fight night.
Upset special? Oliveira is still an elite fighter and has lost only to the best of the best in recent years. However, he is an old 35 and there have been clear signs of decline. Is he a better fighter than Fiziev? Yes. But “Atman” is right in his prime and a very dangerous striker.
The Brazilian’s chin is not what it once was. So his pressure style could be very risky against Fiziev. Possibly setting up a big upset on October 11.
The bottom line: This is another big fight for Oliveira. A win here keeps him around the title picture. However, a loss — especially a definitive one — will begin the speculation that his best days are firmly behind him.
What makes Charles Oliveira so popular?
Charles Oliveria’s UFC journey has not been a meteoric rise to the top from day one like middleweight great Israel Adesanya. The Brazilian at one point went from a top prospect to a gatekeeper. He was a lightweight who underperformed, tried and failed at featherweight, then returned as a new man at 155 pounds and became a dominant force. Oliveira’s story is one of reinvention and perseverance from specialist to well-rounded superstar.
- Charles Oliveira Record: 35-11 (10 knockouts, 21 submissions)
- Charles Oliveira UFC Record: 23-11-1 NC
- Charles Oliveria last fight: Knockout loss to Ilia Topuria
- Charles Oliveira height: 5-foot-10
- “Do Bronx” has the record for most UFC submissions wins at 16
- Oliveira has wins over elite Octagon stars like Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Michael Chandler (twice), Tony Ferguson, Jim Miller, Donald Cerrone, Clay Guida, and Beneil Dariush
- Oliveira was stripped of his lightweight title in May 2022 after missing weight before his second title defense at UFC 274
- Oliveira is one victory away from tying former champion Ferguson for the longest win streak in UFC lightweight history (12)
Charles Oliveira’s net worth
Money is often the greatest determinant of success in the fight game. After 18 years in MMA, Charles Oliveira’s net worth is reported as $2.5 million.
Related: Where does Charles Oliveira land in our latest UFC Lightweight rankings?
