UFC 317 Headliner Charles Oliveira proved a lot wrong with his incredible winning series between 2018 and 2022.
Oliveira has set up one of the best career reserves that was once seen in the UFC when he followed a 10-8 stint in the Octagon with a remarkable series of victories that will released 11 fights in four years.
The highlight of his undoubtedly success was on UFC 262, where Oliveira Michael Chandler eliminated in a memorable victory of the arrival to claim the then lightweight gold.
But while 'Do Bronx' followed with a successful title defense against Dustin Poirier and first round entry victory on Justin Gaethje, there were still surprising that there were no on board the Oliveira train yet.
Chael Sonnen did not 'believe' in Charles Oliveira to UFC 300
One of the most publicly vocal critics of Oliveira in recent years has been the former two-division UFC title champion Chael Sonnen, who simply did not understand 'Do Bronx'.
But while Oliveira signed up on this Saturday to Ilia Topuria on UFC 317, Sonnen admitted in a YouTube video that he is finally a 'believer' in the former lightweight king.
Instead of being due to one of the many impressive victories of the Brazilian, 'The Bad Guy' revealed that a defeat was surprisingly enough.
“You love Charles Oliveira,” said Sonnen. “I have to tell you, I'm on board. I love Charles Oliveira.
“I used to have fights. I used to have this knockdown-by-outs about a text message with Gabriel Checco … He would not resist, he is from:” You don't understand this, you have to give this a different look! ” I gave Charles difficult.
“I couldn't understand Charles. He sometimes showed up with glasses as if he knows Clark, he changes his hair; sometimes he is blonde, sometimes he is not,” Sonen added. “I remember these things and criticisms that I would give on Charles.
“I saw Charles fighting and I was immediately around … But it changed everything. When I saw Charles so close – by the way, it was a fight that lost Charles – I got out of it and I got it. I got it all. It was against (Arman) Tsarukyan and Charles tried to win all the time … he never stopped.
“I left a Charles fan there, but I also left a Charles believer there.”
In April 2024, Oliveira suffered a closely decision loss for Tsarukyan on UFC 300. To this day, the Brazilian believes that he should have gained the victory.
Charles Oliveira has more doubts to prove incorrectly on UFC 317
Sonnen is far from the only doubt whose spirit Oliveira has been able to run with his performances. And the Brazilian now has the chance to add a few to the list on 28 June.
Oliveira will discuss his second chance of regaining the UFC light weight title as an important underdog against Topuria, despite its references and benefits in both size and experience on 155 pounds.
But 'Do Bronx' has never put the opportunities in the way of having a lot of confidence in his capacities, a mental force that cleared the way for his incredible 11-fighter-winning run.
After exchanging victories and losses over his last four fights, Oliveira will try to return to the kind of consistent form that he saw records breaking, starting against 'El Matador' on UFC 317.