Following his first career knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 308, Brazilian lightweight veteran Charles Oliveira opens up about his emotional return to Brazil for UFC Rio on October 11. The former champion discusses his quick turnaround to face Rafael Fiziev, reflects candidly on what went wrong against Topuria, and explains why fighting at home means more to him than money or marquee event status – it’s about legacy and performing in front of his people after a five-year absence from Brazilian soil.
What does it mean to you to return to Brazil for the first time since 2019?
Charles Oliveira: Man, honestly, when I announced my fight there, the first thing I did was thank God, then Dana, Hunter, and Sean for granting my request. It’s been a really, really long time since I last fought in Brazil. Being able to come back and fight here again, especially at a moment like this, means so much to me. It’s about legacy — fighting for my people, for my family, you know?
I’m beyond excited for everything that’s about to happen. I’m sure fight week in October — on the 11th — is going to be amazing. So right now, I just need to stay 100% focused on training, because I’m truly happy. I was driving down from São Paulo, talking with Lima, just feeling grateful for the opportunity — for the support he gave to get me on this card.
A lot of people said, “But it’s not a numbered card, right? It won’t pay as much.” But it’s not about the money or the number. It’s about the nation. Fighting in front of my people. So I’m definitely fired up.
Some Brazilian fighters don’t want to fight on this card, others do — everyone has their own reasons. Some of it’s about money, sure. But like I said, for me, it’s not about money. It’s about legacy. Fighting in front of my people, in front of my family. I haven’t fought in Brazil for such a long time, so this really means a lot to me.
This is a pretty quick turnaround after the Topuria fight. How are you feeling physically and mentally?
Charles Oliveira: Man, to be real with you, I learned a lot from my parents — that whatever you do, it’s about the present. It’s about now. The moment. If I fought today — win or lose — it happened today. Tomorrow’s a new day. And I’ve carried that mindset throughout my whole life, my entire career.
When I won, it was just that day. The next day, I had to get back to work, back to training, because there’s always someone out there trying to beat me. And when I lost, same thing — I had to come back better.
So that’s exactly what I’m doing. I went home, took a breath, and got back to training, because I want to be better. I made the request to Hunter and the UFC to fight in Brazil, in front of my family, in front of my people. That would be something magical. And thank God, it’s happening.
Of course, it’s a really tough opponent — Fiziev is no joke. But I’m genuinely happy and focused. My mindset is bulletproof. And when I’m happy, when I’m feeling bold, things just flow naturally. Last night, when I got the message saying everything’s confirmed — main event — I said, “Alright, let’s make it happen.”
I thanked Diego, sent messages to my family, and now it’s set: UFC Rio, October 11. I’m super excited.
So it was your request to fight at UFC Rio?
Charles Oliveira: Yeah. A lot of people said, “But it’s not a numbered card,” and I said, “I don’t care, man. I want to fight.” It would be amazing to fight here again. It’s been a long time since I fought in Brazil. And like it or not, when you fight here, you’re fighting in front of your people, your family. That makes it huge. I’m really motivated and happy about it.
What’s at stake for you in this fight?
Charles Oliveira: Brother, I’ll be straight with you — it’s about legacy. About my family. About how happy I am. I’ve been with the UFC for 15 years. I’ve had highs and lows. I hold the record for most bonuses, most submissions. Former lightweight champion.
My story is already written. So what does this fight mean to me? Fighting in front of my family, in front of my people. Being happy, like I am now. I got home and my wife was like, “Your smile goes from ear to ear.” That kind of joy. So there’s no pressure. Nothing else. Just a kid from the favela who made it big in the world and now wants to come back — to fight again in front of this amazing Brazilian nation.
What do you think of Fiziev as a fighter, and what will be the deciding factor in this matchup?
Charles Oliveira: Honestly, Fiziev is super tough. He moves well, he’s a solid striker, very respectful, and he’s fought big names. As I always say — I never disrespect anyone — but I’m focused on myself. On what I can bring into the game. This confidence, this happiness — being ready.
Inside that cage, it’s not just me. It’s me, him, and a whole nation of Brazilians cheering and vibing with me. That energy will definitely push me forward.
What’s your reflection on the Topuria fight? What was the game plan, and what went wrong?
Charles Oliveira: My reflection is simple: sometimes we try to prove something we don’t need to prove. I had trained a lot of movement, calf kicks, one-twos, takedown entries, combos leading to high kicks — all that.
But when the fight started, I just wanted to show off. I believed too much in my hands, in my knockout power. I kept waiting for the perfect moment to land, but he was way faster than me because I was standing there waiting for one shot. He was way quicker.
His game plan worked better than mine. It was his night. His timing was better. His punch landed before mine. He deserves all the respect in the world — it was his moment.
Meanwhile, I was waiting for something I shouldn’t have waited for.
What should I have done? Moved. But I didn’t. I didn’t do anything I trained for. I just stood in front of him and paid the price. That’s why I went home, stayed close to my family, and went back to training. Because there’s still so much to prove, so much to do.
I’ve been in the UFC for 15 years. I’d never been knocked out before — this was the first time. But I don’t need anyone to pick me up. It’s up to me. So I’ve already gotten back up, and I’m moving forward. Like I said, that night is over — now it’s about the next one.
Does Ilia deserve to be number 1 pound-for-pound?
Charles Oliveira: Man, that’s a tough question. It’s crazy figuring out who’s number 1, 2 or 3. There are so many killers out there who deserve respect. But yeah, I think Ilia does deserve to be the number 1 — based on his current run and the way he’s been fighting.
But I also think the UFC put him there to stir things up with Islam — to set up the fight that everyone wants to see. The fans want it, the UFC wants it. But it’s always tricky — this pound-for-pound stuff is wild. Who’s really #1?
Still, he’s building a great career. He moves well, he’s tough — and he deserves to be where he is.
Paddy Pimblett stepped into the Octagon after the fight. If the next matchup is Topuria vs. Paddy — does Paddy deserve it? Does he stand a chance?
Charles Oliveira: Brother, this is UFC — things are crazy. I heard Dana White said he doesn’t even know who told Paddy to get in there. The real next in line is Arman, right?
But then Topuria says that fight will never happen. So honestly, this is UFC — we don’t even know who’s next. Justin Gaethje is also waiting, and he said he’ll only fight if it’s for the title. So yeah — UFC is unpredictable.
Did you notice anything about Topuria — any weaknesses or tells?
Charles Oliveira: Man, to be honest, not in the moment. I didn’t even have a good moment in the fight. He’s a dangerous guy. He moves well. He’s calm in there. So how could I point out a weakness? There’s nothing to say. That night, his game was better than mine.
Want more? Check the second part of our exclusive interview with Charles Oliveira.
