Charles Oliveira, a former champion forged in the favela

After much uncertainty, the doubts have been cleared. Ilia Topuria will face Charles Oliveira on June 28 at UFC 317. Both fighters will be fighting for the vacant lightweight belt (155 pounds or 70.3 kilos). This is all thanks to Islam Makhachev's move up to welterweight (170 pounds or 77.1 kilos).

The Brazilian is one of the most dangerous fighters in the entire UFC and, consequently, one of Ilia Topuria's toughest fights. Oliveira boasts being the fighter with the most finishes in UFC history , with a total of 20. Likewise, he's one of those fighters everyone loves. One of those athletes whose story of overcoming challenges is within reach of very few. One of those people who serve as an example for everyone.

The former lightweight champion hails from none other than the favelas of Brazil. Poverty was his daily bread, but that wasn't the worst part of his childhood. At seven, he was diagnosed with a heart murmur and rheumatic fever, a condition that doctors said could have left him unable to walk again . Little Oliveira's dream of becoming a soccer player was shattered. Even so, neither he nor his parents gave up. They decided to enroll him in Jiu-jitsu, where he quickly began to excel. Neither the young man nor his family let that illness ruin his dream.

Thus, little by little, he began to delve into mixed martial arts (MMA) in his native Brazil back in 2008. It was during this period that he was given his fighting nickname, Do Bronx. This stems from the fact that he initially didn't have a nickname, so he was referred to, in a derogatory way, as Charles Oliveira of the Favelas. Far from being embarrassed, he embraced it with pride , making the Bronx his nickname. After a perfect record of 12 wins (11 of them by finals), the young Charles Oliveira received the call from the UFC in 2010. This would be the beginning of his story, full of ups and downs but with a final redemption. He won his first two fights, only to lose the next two. This pattern would be repeated over the years. Every victory for the Brazilian was accompanied by a defeat. There was also something worrying about him. Oliveira tended to give up when things didn't go as expected. Despite small glimpses of quality that hinted at his immense ability, he failed to stand out. But after 10 successes and eight setbacks, there was a change of pace.

Charles Oliveira was transformed . He began his metamorphosis into the dangerous lion he is today. He racked up eight straight wins, finishing seven of them. Oliveira had become a true threat to the division. Among his most notable victims were fighters of the caliber of Tony Ferguson and Jim Miller. It was at that point that the UFC allowed him to challenge for the 155-pound belt against Michael Chandler. Although he had a rough start, nearly being knocked out, he was able to recover, claiming victory. Charles Oliveira was crowned UFC champion after 28 fights within the company. "Favela, once again we won. You can cry, but you can cry for joy. Because the belt is already with us," the new king exclaimed through tears. And even having reached the top, he hasn't lost his humility. In every fight, the Brazilian always greets his opponent and his team, demonstrating that respect will always be paramount in his career.

After his victory against the American, he submitted Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, consolidating his title. However, he then had to fall to Islam Makhachev . Even so, this was not the surrendering Oliveira of a few years ago. He returned by finishing Beneil Dariush, establishing himself as the fighter with the most finishes and most submissions (16) in UFC history. Just as he was closest to winning gold, he fell again against Arman Tsarukyan, in a close fight that almost ended before the limit. But as he did throughout his life, he came back stronger, dominating Michael Chandler throughout the five rounds at UFC 309. He was close to his rematch with the Russian again, but Ilia Topuria stood in his way . It seemed that fate was determined to keep him from the throne of the division. However, thanks to the defeat of Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, Makhachev has decided to move up a division. Because he had to relinquish his belt, the Brazilian has found a clear path to regaining it. But his rival will do everything possible to prevent this from happening. Ilia Topuria will have to defeat the Brazilian on June 28th.

Without a doubt, describing Charles Oliveira's story as one of overcoming obstacles seems like an understatement. Now he has another opportunity to rise to the top of the division against Ilia Topuria. Islam Makhachev's departure to welterweight has left the Brazilian with a difficult fight, but one that will not disappoint any fans. Topuria and Oliveira will be the headliners of UFC 317 , a duel that promises to be a true spectacle for one of the most important weeks for the American company.