Charles Oliveira: The New Guy at ‘UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko’
(As fighter highlight-reels go, this one’s pretty awful. But how ’bout that flying knee KO at 2:44?)
Rejoice! The UFC returns from its four-week hiatus this coming Sunday, when UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko goes down at the San Diego Sports Arena. (Versus, 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT) The only newcomer on the card is Brazilian prospect Charles Oliveira, who will be putting his undefeated record on the line against Darren Elkins — who won his own UFC debut in March when Duane Ludwig’s ankle exploded. Does Charles have what it takes to make it in the big leagues? Get to know him below and let us know what you think…
CHARLES OLIVEIRA (LW)
Experience: 12-0 record (6 KO/TKOs, 5 submissions), primarily in Brazilian promotions. Last competed in a four-man tournament at a Warriors Challenge event in February, where he defeated Rosenildo Rocha by rear-naked choke and Diego Bataglia by slam-knockout. It was the third multi-fight tourney that Oliveira has won during his career. He made his pro debut in March 2008, sweeping an eight-man tournament at a Predador FC event, then cruised through a four man bracket later that year at Korea Fight 1. So fighting just one guy in a night is like a day off for him.
Will be facing: Darren Elkins (12-1, 1-0 UFC)
Lowdown: Nicknamed “do Bronx” for his association with the Bronx’s Gold Team camp, Oliveira now trains with the squad’s U.S. outposts in Houston and New Jersey, under vale tudo/jiu-jitsu veteran Jorge Luis “Macaco” Patino. Coming from a jiu-jitsu background, Charles likes to take fights to the ground as quickly as possible, but he’s also known for his dynamic kicks and knees. His match against Elkins was originally intended for the TUF 11 Finale last month, but was bumped back due to visa issues. As the 21-year-old told Tatame, “[Elkins is] a guy who likes to fight on the ground and I think it will be a good thing for me because I’ll be able to work on my Jiu-Jitsu. I think our game is similar, so people can expect a lot of willingness and aggressiveness. When I get there and enter the octagon, I’ll only see him in front of me, it’s going to be me and him…and I’ll fight with my heart.”
