UFC on Versus: Exclusive Bleacher Report Interview with Charles Oliveira

As the second installment of UFC on Versus gets set to go down this Sunday, all eyes will be on Light Heavyweight rising star Jon Jones, but there is another fighter that you should make sure to keep your eye on; his name is Charles Oliveira.

Oliveira will be making his debut in the octagon against fellow lightweight Darren Elkins after being signed by the UFC earlier this year.

While the majority of the fights on Oliveira's pro record took place in Brazil, his explosive combination of striking and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu were enough to get him an invite to the biggest stage in MMA.

Charles and his management team were gracious enough to take the time to speak with B/R while preparing for his upcoming bout, as well as providing exclusive photos from his training camp.

The Beginning

B/R: What motivated you to get started in Mixed Martial Arts?

CO: My family encouraged me to train Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu.

The Call To The Big Show

B/R: How did you feel when you finally signed with the UFC earlier this year?

CO: I thanked God for my dreams of fighting in the UFC came true—I did not believe at first...And when I find out that it was really true— I was so happy— All my hard work has paid off!

Staying Humble

B/R: In many MMA circles there is alot of excitement building about your arrival, even drawing comparisons to WEC Featherweight Champ Jose Aldo. How do you feel about that?

CO: I do not think its fair. Aldo is the champ of WEC, with a lot of big wins on tv. I still have a lot of work to do before I can be compared to Jose Aldo.

New Challenges

B/R: How do you feel about your upcoming debut in the UFC?

CO: Its very different fighting in UFC. All the medicals and paperwork is very hard. I actually had to go to a brain doctor to get my California license.

I was in this very fancy doctors office jumping on one leg, touching my nose with my index finger, and was thinking is this a joke? I have seen so many doctors this week, makes it hard to concentrate on the fight.

Cool & Calm

B/R: Do you feel any pressure about trying to preserve your perfect record while competing for the biggest name in MMA?

CO: No—I take one fight at a time. When I am in a fight, I only think about that fight nothing else.

A Change Of Pace

B/R: With so many of the fights on your professional record occurring within the span of the last 2 years, will the slower pace of about two to three fights per year in the UFC be a welcomed adjustment for you?

CO: My first fight was six weeks after my 18th birthday. I love to compete—I also compete in every Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament I can!

I would like to keep the pace I am on, but would rather fight one fight in a night, not two and three fights in one night anymore

Sizing Up The Competition

B/R: What have you done to prepare for your upcoming bout against Darren Elkins who was a former Indiana state high-school wrestling champion, and has a pretty solid ground and pound style?

CO: Mr. Darren Elkins is a great fighter with great wrestling, and he has a very good record. About the same how I train for all my other fights. I want him to fight my fight.

It's All About Teamwork

B/R: How has it been working with the Gold Team USA in preparation for this fight?

CO: Training with Macaco in Houston is great—He has been around for a long time and really knows the sport of MMA. I know I will be very prepared for this fight with Mr. Darren Elkins

B/R: With over 12 MMA fights under your belt, would you say that your mental preparation for an upcoming bout, even one as important as this has remained the same?

CO: Actually I am 15-0 but three of my fights do not show up on sherdog—those fight were on very small shows in Brazil. Yes coming to USA, fighting for UFC is so much different, but I will not lose focus.

Looking Ahead

B/R: As the part of the new crop of young fighters to be on the look out for, where do you see your career headed in the next 2 years?

CO: My manager says I need to win three or four fights in a row, and then I might in line to fight the champ. I want to be champion.

I would like to thank my sponsors Jaco, Dethrone, Gamma-o, Muscle Pharm MP, hayabusa, my coaches Eric Cardoso, Macaco, and my manager Wade.

Also keep up with me at www.dobronx.com

B/R: Thanks for your time Charles, good luck on Sunday.