Exclusive: UFC 317 Headliner Charles Oliveira Nearly Saw His MMA Dream Die in Slums originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Charles Oliveira (35-10, 1 NC) is recognized as an elite MMA fighter today, but his road to a UFC contract was anything but the path of least resistance.
Growing up in the slums of Brazil, known as the favela, Oliveira’s dream of becoming a UFC champion nearly faded away before he even stepped foot in a gym. Oliveira’s rough upbringing will be the focus of an upcoming biopic from Eduardo Ferro’s 405 Films.
During an interview with Athlon Sports, “do Bronx” expressed joy in getting a chance to share his story publicly.
“I’m really happy about this movie to be able to tell my story,” Oliveira said. “I talk a lot about legacy, and this is going to be a big part of it. So, I’m really happy.”
Oliveira can’t pinpoint just one particular challenge that nearly derailed his MMA dream. It was a combination of factors that he had to overcome long before he ever became a UFC champion.
“I think it was everything,” Oliveira said. “A kid coming up from the favela trying to make it, there was a lack of equipment for me being able to train and to actually get to where I wanted to be, the suffering, a little bit of everything.”
Been There, Done That
Fast forward to 2025, and Oliveira is on the verge of becoming a two-time UFC lightweight titleholder. He’ll be facing Ilia Topuria (16-0) for the 155-pound gold in the main event of UFC 317.
Topuria will be moving up from the featherweight division, which is something “do Bronx” knows all too well, and he says there is a big difference in the weight classes.
“Yeah, for sure,” Oliveira said. “I felt that my hands weren’t there, and I felt a little bit of difference when I moved up to lightweight. So, it did take me a little while to adapt.”
‘The Notorious’ Ilia Topuria?
Topuria has never shied away from trash talk ahead of his fights. “El Matador” has been quite vocal about what he plans to do to Oliveira on Saturday.
Some fans believe Topuria is trying to copy Conor McGregor’s style of fight promotion, but it isn’t any of Oliveira’s concern.
“I don’t know if he’s trying to emulate or imitate Conor,” Oliveira said. “He does talk, but to each their own. Everyone’s going to win the fight however they can.”
Is ‘El Matador’ Ready For Lightweight?
There has been some debate among fans and experts as far as whether or not Topuria’s success will translate to the lightweight division. Oliveira is expecting “El Matador” to be prepared for their title fight.
“I definitely think that if he made the decision to move up in weight, then he and his team have a whole plan, and they have everything done behind the scenes for him to be able to adapt.”
Justin Gaethje on the Horizon?
One top-ranked lightweight who will be watching UFC 317 closely is Justin Gaethje. “The Highlight” has been pounding the table to receive the next 155-pound title opportunity. Oliveira refuses to look ahead before sharing the Octagon with Topuria.
“We fought before; we had a great fight, but talking about who’s going to be next is really difficult for me because I’m focused on June 28,” Oliveira said. “At the end of the day, it’s the UFC who’s going to decide who’s next.”
Oliveira Can Strike Too
While Topuria’s striking has been lauded within the MMA community, Oliveira has proven that he isn’t a one-trick pony. He’s confident in his own striking ability.
“Anyone can say whatever they want, and everyone’s going to talk, but I believe in the firepower in my hands,” Oliveira said.
How Does UFC 317 End?
Oliveira feels prepared wherever the fight with Topuria may go inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. While Oliveira believes he’s ready to go the distance, he’d rather secure a second UFC title reign in style.
“Honestly, anything can happen, a knockout, a submission,” Oliveira said. “I’m going to be moving forward, and I’m going to be looking to finish the fight.”
Related: Ilia Topuria Could Struggle in UFC 317 Title Fight, Says Ranked Lightweight
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
