Charles Oliveira religion: Why does Brazilian fighter claim to be ‘Illuminated by God’?

Learn all about the relationship Charles Oliveira has with his religion and God and how it makes him the 'Illuminated One.'


Charles Oliveira religion: Why does Brazilian fighter claim to be ‘Illuminated by God’?

Lightweight standout Charles Oliveira (Source: superlutas.com.br)

Charles Oliveira is one of the best lightweight fighters on the planet and an firm believer in his religion. Debuting in 2010, Charles Oliveira had a difficult road and finally captured the UFC gold in 2021. During his reign of terror, he defeated elite fighters such as Tony Ferguson, Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje. He believes in the positive impact of religion on mankind.

Charles Oliveira has a deep connection with God. He believes God is his source of strength, supporting him in every adverse condition. People have often heard Oliveira repeat the phrase “eu sou iluminado” in Portuguese. It translates to “I am illuminated or enlightened.

YouTube video

According to Christianity, illumination is a work of God’s Spirit upon a believer whereby he recognizes the beauty and glory of the gospel and, therefore, willingly submits himself to it. Find out more about Charles Oliveira’s faith.

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Is Charles Oliveira a Christian?

Charles Oliveira is Christian by faith. The BJJ Black Belt believes faith is extremely powerful and can make one experience things never experienced before.

Faith can move mountains. If you believe and have faith, you will climb this building without any equipment…You experience things you never thought you would. That’s faith.

Charles Oliveira via UFC Chronicles episode
Charles Oliveira with his mural
Charles Oliveira with his mural (Image via X)

He credits all his achievements and skills to the glory of Christ. The Brazilian superstar firmly believes in religion and has achieved glory because of the faith he placed in Jesus Christ. Coming from a poor background in Brazil, his neighbor introduced him to Jiu-Jitsu.

At a young age, Oliveira suffered from rheumatism, a chronic autoimmune disease that attacks the bones and joints and causes inflammation. By the books, doctors said he would not be able to walk. Nobody would have thought he would go on to become one of the elite fighters in the UFC, holding multiple submissions and finishing records. ‘Do Bronx’ says it’s all because of faith.

Charles Oliveira views about his religion

In one of his interviews, Daniel Cormier asked Oliveira how he remains calm and collected against elite fighters in the octagon. DC was on commentary duty both times Do Bronx captured the title and defended it for the first time. As such, he wanted to know about the secret.

I am enlightened, and until they understand this, nothing is going to make sense to them. I don’t feel nervous, I don’t feel pressure on the moment. I am the one! I was chosen, I was chosen to talk about God. I was chosen to show that a kid from a slum community can be successful, I was chosen to show that your faith in God can move mountains.

Charles Oliveira via Daniel Cormier YT Channel
Charles Oliveira expected to comeback by the end of the year
Charles Oliveira (via Yardbarker)

His career and performance in the octagon are a testament to his hard work and God’s blessings. Ultimately, the religion of Charles Oliveira and what he believes give him the mindset he has today. No one had a harder path to a UFC gold than him. His perseverance to continue despite suffering humiliating losses and win the world title remains legendary.