Oliveira's determination to compete in Canada paid off as he achieved his first-ever victory there.
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At UFC 289, Charles Oliveira, also known as “do Bronx,” had a stunning response from the Vancouver audience. Oliveira knocked out Beneil Dariush in the first round, ensuring a triumphant return to Canadian territory and reversing his previous decision to avoid competing there.Due to his past unsuccessful fights in Canada, Oliveira vowed never to compete there again. The enthusiastic response and star treatment he received from the Vancouver crowd, however, confirmed that his choice to withdraw from that position was, in fact, the right one.
Oliveira’s head coach and manager, Diego Lima, recalled the Brazilian fighter’s reluctance to compete in Canada when he first started managing him. Oliveira had suffered defeats against formidable opponents such as Jim Miller, Cub Swanson, Max Holloway, and Anthony Pettis during his previous visits. These losses, coupled with being finished in each fight, had left Oliveira disenchanted with fighting in Canada.
Oliveira’s withdrawal from their fight against Dariush at UFC 288 in Newark due to injury provided an opportunity for atonement, though. The UFC suggested moving the fight forward to UFC 289 in Vancouver. When Lima informed Oliveira about the possibility and the location, Oliveira’s immediate consent surprised him. His view on fighting in Canada changed as he regarded it as just another challenge to face and get over with.
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Oliveira’s determination to compete in Canada paid off as he achieved his first-ever victory there.
The Vancouver audience overwhelmingly cheered on Oliveira, with nearly 20,000 people giving him a standing ovation, making him feel like he was fighting in his own neighborhood.Oliveira had a great deal of emotion as seen by the fact that he cried both before and after the battle. While thousands of ardent followers came inside the arena to shout his name, hundreds more people gathered outside his hotel to celebrate his triumph.
Oliveira emphasizes that despite his success, he hasn’t changed from the guy he was at his lowly beginnings: dedicated to helping people and grounded.
Following his victory against Dariush, Oliveira set his sights on a rematch with Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight title. His ten-year journey from a gifted Brazilian boxer to a fan favorite throughout the world is evidence of his tenacity and steadfast character. Fans all across the world have come to love Oliveira for his commitment to being true to himself and his outstanding achievements in the octagon.
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