This marked his first trip to the country, and he could not have been more eager to embrace the opportunity. Oliveira, who had his last fight in November 2024, is already gearing up for his next challenge, aiming to reclaim the UFC lightweight title and become a champion once again.
With his sights firmly set on the future, Oliveira expressed his interest during the Q&A session about the potential for a long-awaited rematch with Max Holloway for the BMF title this summer - a fight that has been in the making for over 10 years.
Throughout his career, Oliveira has demonstrated a singular focus: to be the best. His resolve has only grown stronger since losing the lightweight belt, and he has made it clear that, “his goal is to become the next champion” and to reclaim the title.
Whether he has to face top contenders like Arman Tsarukyan or others, Oliveira is more than ready for the challenge. Tsarukyan, another familiar face in Phuket, recently stated he would be open to fighting Oliveira for the number one contendership spot. Oliveira, always open to opportunities, confirmed that he is willing to face anyone in his quest for the belt - even if it means considering a move to welterweight for the right title shot.
Oliveira’s trip to Thailand wasn’t just about focusing on the future of his UFC career; it was also a chance for him to immerse himself in the local martial arts culture and learn new skills. Coming from a strong jiu-jitsu background, he expressed his excitement to delve into Muay Thai, the striking art that has long been a pillar of combat sports in Thailand. The chance to work with Muay Thai legends, such as the renowned Lerdsila Chumpairtour, was an opportunity Oliveira relished.
He said he is already looking forward to returning to Thailand, whether for his fight camp at Bangtao Muay Thai and MMA gym or for further training after his next fight. His aim is to enhance his striking game and further refine his champion mentality.
LASER-FOCUSED
Oliveira’s determination to evolve and grow as a fighter is evident in his approach to training. He remains laser-focused on improving, with a mindset rooted in self-discipline and relentless pursuit of progress which is “to be better than the Charles that was yesterday,” he says, emphasising that growth is a daily effort.
His approach and champion mentality is rooted in constant learning, “his mentality is always the same… everything you can learn, during training, he is definitely learning something…” or rewatching his fights to identify areas for improvement. He understands that success isn’t just about winning fights but also about embracing the journey and learning from every experience.
For Oliveira, the belt signifies more than just recognition; it is a testament to the years of hard work, perseverance, and the refusal to give up. His mindset is simple yet powerful: there is no going backward. There is only one direction: forward.
Whether he is inside the gym or preparing for the biggest fight of his career, Charles Oliveira remains committed to the path of continuous self-improvement, focused on the one goal that matters most: reclaiming his championship status.