“You Will Get Them”- Here’s the inspiring message Charles Oliveira has for his younger self
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Charles Oliveira was recently seen driving around in a Ferrari in Abu Dhabi
From The Favella to the UAE, Charles Oliveira is certainly living the dream. The man who was born into utter poverty is set to headline one of the biggest UFC cards in history in the land of the mega-rich, Abi Dhabi. At the press conference Do Bronx was asked a question about the lengths he’s come to in life, his answer will pump you up.
Until a few months ago, Oliveira was the undisputed lightweight champion of the world. Having won the vacant belt against explosive UFC-new comer and MMA veteran, Michael Chandler, Oliveira made his first defense against UFC Superstar Dustin Poirier. He was stripped off the belt for missing weight at UFC 274, but that did not stop him from making quick work of hometown hero, Justin Gaethje.
Now as he laces up to face Islam Makhachev at UFC 280, it is certain that the boy who was born into absolute poverty has made more out of his life than anyone could’ve given him a chance for. At the press conference for the card, Oliveira was asked by a Brazilian reporter what he would say to an Oliveira, still struggling to make a name, pointing out a picture of him sitting in the pouring rain on a honda scooter with an umbrella.
“Never give up on your dreams, you’re going to be able to get them”, said a stoic Oliveira to the cheers of the crowd. Oliveira then answered the same reporter’s question about how much bigger the event would be if it were to happen in Rio De Janeiro. He said, ” Don’t worry about it, at the end of the day you’re all going to be clapping and giving a standing ovation.”
Charles Oliveira’s rags to riches story
Charles Oliveira has often made a point to highlight his origins time and time again and there is a good reason for that. If being born amid the uncertainty in the favelas wasn’t enough, Do Bronx also had to deal with a severe ailment. At age 7 he was diagnosed with Rheumatic fever, a disease that could’ve wound up making him a paraplegic.
His own determination and his parent’s wish to see their child well ultimately got Charles back on his feet and by age 12, he had enrolled in local jujitsu classes. However, just two short years later, his neighbor, who introduced him to the world of BJJ was killed in the crossfire of a shootout in his favela.
Despite having a killer pre-UFC career, he’d face major hiccups in the form of losses and weight misses in the lead-up to his UFC Title shot. It would take him 27 fights in the UFC alone, to even get to a title shot.
As the former champion released a video of him riding on a Ferrari across Abu Dhabi, he still carries his heritage proudly on his chest with his nickname, Do Bronx literally meaning From The Favela.
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Jerin Mathew
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