UFC extends eight-fight deal with BMF champion Charles Oliveira
Coach Diego Lima confirms the contract to AGFight as Oliveira looks to rebuild on the lightweight division following his loss to Ilia Topuria
Former UFC lightweight champion and current BMF titleholder Charles Oliveira has signed a new eight-fight contract with the UFC. The agreement, confirmed by his coach Diego Lima to AGFight, is described as an incredible deal that extends Oliveira's career until he is 40 years old. At 36, the Brazilian fighter is set to reach 45 total octagon appearances if he fulfills the terms of this new arrangement.
This development directly counters recent speculation regarding Oliveira's retirement. Lima stated that fights have been lined up to keep the fighter active until the specified age, noting there is not a single bad thing to say about the terms. While the specific financial details of the contract remain undisclosed, the structural commitment signals a continued presence for the UFC's all-time leader in fight finishes.
Oliveira's path to this new deal followed a turbulent period in the lightweight division. He lost the UFC lightweight title to Ilia Topuria in a first-round knockout in July, a result that initially raised questions about his future in the sport. However, he has since bounced back with a submission victory over Mateusz Gamrot and a dominant decision win against Max Holloway in March to claim the BMF strap.
The timing of the contract signing places Oliveira in a complex landscape within the division. A major upcoming event, UFC Freedom 250, is scheduled for June 14 at the White House in Washington, D.C., where Topuria and Justin Gaethje are set to unify their belts. Oliveira has firmly set his sights on capturing the UFC lightweight belt once more, though his ability to regain the title remains dependent on future performance and the outcome of that unification bout.
The exact scheduling of the eight fights within the next few years has not yet been determined by the organisation. Despite these logistical uncertainties, the confirmation of the deal suggests that the UFC intends to maintain a competitive roster in the lightweight division. For now, the focus remains on Oliveira's immediate return to the octagon to defend his interim status while the broader divisional picture evolves.
