For 35-year-old UFC veteran Charles Oliveira, the Octagon has been a relentless testing ground lately. The former lightweight champion stumbled through a 2-3 stretch in his last five bouts, challenging both his skill and resilience. Back in late June at UFC 317, reigning lightweight champion Ilia Topuria crushed Oliveira’s bid to become a two-time champion with a devastating knockout. Yet even in the shadow of that defeat, the Brazilian keeps his eyes locked on reclaiming his spot among the elite.

This week, Charles Oliveira steps back into the Octagon at UFC Rio after a three-month hiatus to face Mateusz Gamrot. This upcoming fight could revive ‘Do Bronxs’s career and actively shape the next chapter of his legacy. Amid the whirlwind of pressure, his coaches and team at Chute Boxe Academy stand as the backbone of his journey, sharpening every strike and strategy that fuels the Brazilian’s resurgence. So, who exactly guides Oliveira in the gym, and who stands beside him as his training partners?

Charles Oliveira’s Journey from Macaco Gold Team to Chute Boxe Diego Lima

 Under the tutelage of Jorge “Macaco” Patino at Macaco Gold Team, Charles Oliveira honed his craft with quiet intensity, building the foundation of what would become a storied career. According to Tapology, the Brazilian stormed through his early competition, compiling a flawless 12-0 record. That streak became his launchpad to the UFC, where ‘Do Bronxs’ wasted no time winning over both fans and Dana White with two emphatic victories that showcased his blend of fluid grappling and striking.

But soon, the path ahead turned turbulent. From his UFC debut in 2010 to his 2017 clash against Paul Felder at UFC 218, Charles Oliveira’s career became a study in volatility—flashes of brilliance punctuated by setbacks that tested his resolve. Following that loss to Felder, the Brazilian made a career-altering choice. He walked away from Macaco Gold Team and joined Chute Boxe Academy under Diego Lima in 2018, seeking a rebirth as a more complete mixed martial artist.

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His old camp had molded him into a submission wizard, but Oliveira knew evolution demanded more than mastery on the mat. “Everybody knows where I come from and how my jiu-jitsu is, training at Macaco Gold Team, but I also work on my striking at Chute Boxe Diego Lima, so I’m prepared on the feet and on the ground,” said Charles Oliveira.

Even after leaving Macaco Gold Team, Charles Oliveira continued to honor his roots by keeping Jorge Patino as his BJJ coach. Still, his heart—and his future—belonged to Chute Boxe. Under Lima’s direction, he immersed himself in the academy’s signature brand of relentless Muay Thai aggression. The change was electric. What followed was not just a resurgence but a rebirth—an 11-fight win streak that transformed “Do Bronx” from a talented contender into one of the most feared finishers in UFC history.

Meet Coach Diego Lima: The Man Behind ‘Do Bronx’s’ Striking Evolution

Since Charles Oliveira linked up with Diego Lima, there’s been no turning back. Lima transformed Oliveira from a pure BJJ specialist into a lethal striker — and that shift has defined the UFC star’s career. Today, ‘Do Bronxs’ boasts 10 knockout wins in 47 professional fights, along with 21 submission victories, a clear testament to Lima’s impact on his evolution. Diego Lima runs one of the most respected branches of the historic Chute Boxe Academy, originally founded by Rudimar Fedrigo as a Muay Thai gym.

But Lima has forged his own path with Chute Boxe Diego Lima, giving the São Paulo branch a distinct identity while staying rooted in the legendary Chute Boxe legacy. Lima’s journey is as compelling as any fighter’s. He once dreamed of going pro himself but turned his focus to coaching. Training under MMA veteran Luis Azeredo, Lima sharpened his skills and, when Azeredo moved to Curitiba, took over the São Paulo branch. Under his leadership, it evolved into one of Brazil’s top MMA hubs, producing elite fighters and building a reputation for excellence.

Elite Training Partners at Chute Boxe- Legends & Rising Stars

Charles Oliveira sharpens his skills under the watchful eye of coach Diego Lima, a mentor renowned for transforming underdogs into champions. The gym has molded UFC legends such as Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua, Cris Cyborg, and Anderson Silva, cementing its reputation as a proving ground for greatness.

Joining the ranks is Irish UFC welterweight Ian Garry, who trains at Chute Boxe under Lima to refine his striking and elevate his game to the next level. While Chute Boxe currently calls São Paulo home, coach Diego Lima envisions expanding its reach, spreading the gym’s winning formula to other corners of the country.

How Chute Boxe Transformed Oliveira’s Fighting Style Since 2018

From the very start of his professional MMA journey, Charles Oliveira marked himself as an elite talent, with his mastery of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu shining brightly on his record. He began training BJJ at the age of 12 under Roger Coelho, who offered free classes to underprivileged kids. Those early hours on the mats built the bedrock of ‘Do Bronxs’s skill set, shaping the fighter who would later dominate the lightweight division.

Yet, Charles Oliveira’s striking vulnerabilities became evident when he entered the UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts stage. Under the guidance of Diego Lima, Oliveira began sharpening his stand-up game, though his ground game remains the cornerstone of his success. Over time, he learned to weave Muay Thai striking into his arsenal, adding a new dimension that gave him a decisive edge inside the Octagon.

UFC Rio was going to be the ultimate test of ‘Do Bronxs’’s striking evolution against Rafael Fiziev, one of the division’s brightest lightweights. But with Fiziev forced to withdraw due to injury, Oliveira now turns his focus to former KSW champion Mateusz Gamrot, seizing the opportunity to showcase the full breadth of his fighting arsenal.

Inside Oliveira’s 2025 Training Camp for UFC Rio vs Gamrot

This month, Charles Oliveira hits a milestone—his 36th birthday—right after UFC Rio, and he could be giving himself the ultimate gift: a win over Mateusz Gamrot. ‘Do Bronxs’ has been grinding non-stop, and this fight hits harder than most—it’s his first time back on home soil after years, and many wonder if it could be his swan song. UFC seems to have framed this moment for the Brazilian, much like they did for Dustin Poirier, turning the Octagon into more than a battleground—it’s a stage for legacy. Every jab, every drill, every ounce of sweat counts as Oliveira fights to climb back up the lightweight ladder.

On the Chute Boxe Diego Lima YouTube channel, Oliveira shared a peek behind the curtain of his prep: “Do boxing training that I was, like, I was doing boxing just by myself, alone. I’m doing with the guys the physical preparation that I did there in Guará. I’m doing it here. So it changed, Right? We changed everything, right? We took a little bit of everything out of everything, you know? To be able to get better, to arrive better.”–Charles Oliveira

With the countdown now underway for Charles Oliveira vs. Mateusz Gamrot, all eyes are on the Octagon. Can he bounce back and return to the win column against Gamrot, the fighter who once defeated Arman Tsarukyan? Share your prediction below.