Charles Oliveira Biography

Charles Oliveira da Silva, born on October 17, 1989, is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and fourth degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Oliveira holds the symbolic BMF title in the UFC Lightweight division, where he previously held the official lightweight championship. In 2004, Oliveira won the São Paulo championship, followed by a victory in the Copa Nação Jiu-Jitsu in 2005, and earned 16 medals in 2006. As a blue belt in 2007, he became a two-time CBJJE World Champion, earned silver as a purple belt the next year, and claimed the 2008 CBJJE South American Championship title. Oliveira began his professional career in 2007 in Brazil, winning all 12 of his early fights with six knockouts and five submissions. In March 2008, he made his professional debut at the Predador Fight Championship promotion, where his trainer Jorge Patino had previously competed at Predator FC 6. In January 2010, Oliveira was recognized as one of the top three Brazilian prospects to watch in 2010 by Sherdog.