Meet Charles Oliveira, the UFC’s miracle man

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery Dustin Poirier twice knocked down Oliveira but was ultimately submitted by the Brazilian “It’s an evolution, I’m always evolving,” Oliveira explained to The Independent, later joking that his eyesight is so poor that he sees three versions of his opponent during a bout. I showed how much I can evolve and have evolved, so I had a lot of fun in there and just shut up everyone who was criticising me.” open image in gallery Oliveira celebrates his title victory at UFC 262 open image in gallery Oliveira suffered from Rheumatic fever and a heart murmur as a child Oliveira’s victory over Chandler – to claim the belt vacated by Khabib Nurmagomedov – was followed by jubilant celebrations from the 33-year-old, who jumped over the fence and shouted joyously at Joe Rogan at the commentary desk, before sprinting around the arena to share the moment with his friends and family – as well as fans, whose adoration for the fighter was at this point accelerating with every bout. Yet “father’s plan” was still fulfilled, if later than anticipated, when Makhachev produced a dominant display to hurt and submit Oliveira in the second round, finally ending “Do Bronx”’s fairytale run. open image in gallery Islam Makhachev halted Oliveira’s long winning run to win the vacant title open image in gallery Oliveira overwhelmed Beneil Dariush in the first round to bounce back from his loss to Makhachev It reaffirmed Oliveira’s status in the division, and restored fans’ belief in him.