"Making my family and friends happy," is what matters most to former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. "Do Bronx" is dead-set on cementing his legacy in the UFC, but inspiring Brazilian youth to achieve greatness is just as important.
During an interview with Canal Encarada on June 18, Oliveira revealed one MMA prospect that he has big plans for. Paulo "PH" da Silva is a 20 year-old Brazilian flyweight who carries the Oliveira name into his fights:
"Making my family and friends happy, [is what] matters most," Oliveira explained. "[Making] my daughter happy. Showing kids like Paulo [Da Silva] --- Paulo's story is the same as mine," Oliveira gestured towards his student.
"He came from the favela. Paulinho's story is the same as mine. He and his brother. His mother believed in the dream and still does," Oliveira wrapped his arm around da Silva. "He came from the favela. Started in Jiu-Jitsu as a kid, and now he carries my name in MMA."
Oliveira started practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) after being diagnosed with heart murmur and rheumatic fever. "Do Bronx" actually wanted to be a footballer in his youth, but was introduced to BJJ by a neighbor after the diagnosis.
"'I was hospitalised for two years and doctors told my mom I couldn't do sports anymore. It sucked because I couldn't leave," Oliveira told MMA Fighting.
The rest is history. Now Oliveira looks to lend a helping hand to the next generation of talent:
"I told [da Silva] I have a huge purpose for him this year and it will happen. He has a fight set and is making it happen. It's important," Oliveira continued his discussion with Canal Encarada.
da Silva explained what Oliveira meant to him, "He's helped me in every part of life. When he's not here I message him. I follow him. He's everything to me. I consider him a dad."
Oliveira interjected, "He trains with me in Sao Paulo. He trains with me here, does my camp."
Oliveira mentioned their efforts in guiding da Silva along a similar path as his own.
da Silva currently holds a professional record of five victories, all by submission, and one TKO loss in his second fight. He is part of the 'Charles Oliveira Gold Team', which involves a small roster of Brazilian talent, most with considerably high finish rates.
It's still early in da Silva's career, and his one loss was at the hands of a fairly experienced opponent. With a few more victories boosted by the Oliveira brand, we may just see da Silva on the world stage some day.
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