Charles Oliveira, the former UFC lightweight champion, is an enthusiastic Pokémon fan, as seen from his extensive collection at his home. Recently, he openly shared his favorite Pokémon species while discussing his appreciation for the iconic Japanese franchise.
Ahead of UFC 317, the ‘Full Violence’ team visited Oliveira’s residence in Guarujá, Brazil, and provided a tour that showcased his diverse Pokémon memorabilia. Oliveira spoke about how this interest began during his childhood.
”Since I was little, I always watched this and stuff. Dude, it’s cool. Then I started collecting and putting them together, and then I started pumping and getting them.”
When asked to name his favorite Pokémon, Oliveira chose Pikachu, a character synonymous with the brand worldwide.
”Dude, I think everyone is going to say, it’s Pikachu, right? It has to be”
Oliveira’s UFC Career and Collecting Bonuses
Similar to his interest in Pokémon collections, Oliveira also enjoys accumulating UFC post-fight bonuses. He holds the record for the most performance bonuses in UFC history, with a total of 20. At 35 years old, Oliveira aims to add another bonus by securing the lightweight title at UFC 317, slated for June 28 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The upcoming event features Oliveira facing Ilia Topuria for the vacant 155-pound championship. Oliveira earned his place in the title race through a commanding unanimous decision victory against Michael Chandler at UFC 309.
The lightweight division remains highly competitive, with Topuria entering the fight confidently after moving up from featherweight. The challenger relinquished his previous belt earlier in the year to pursue the opportunity of becoming a two-division champion.
Oliveira’s Remarkable Story About Nearly Owning a Tiger
During the same home tour, Oliveira revealed a surprising detail about nearly getting a tiger for his farm. Despite preparing facilities to house the animal, he ultimately decided against it. The reasons included the animal’s high maintenance needs and Oliveira’s frequent time away from home.
”You can’t have them here. Some time ago, I had everything built in the farm to be able to have them, but man, they eat a lot. I made the stuff to be able to have them, but man, there’s no way you can have it. Like, I’m not around much, you know? I’d have to leave them to the responsibility of my parents, so I can’t. Over there in the farm you have llamas, ostriches, horses, game, all kinds of animals”
Oliveira’s farm in Brazil houses a variety of exotic animals, but the challenges of caring for a tiger were ultimately too great given his career demands and travel schedule.