Even though he is no longer the
UFC lightweight champion, Charles
Oliveira remains the most popular MMA fighter in Brazil.
With 7.6 million followers on Instagram (Anderson
Silva has 5.3 million and Alex
Pereira has 3.5 million), Oliveira was one of the big stars at
the charity auction promoted by Brazilian soccer star Neymar Junior
on Monday to help raise money for the flood victims in the
Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. During the event, an
experience with Oliveira was sold for a little less than $100,000.
All told, approximately $5.1 million was raised for families
victimized by the floods, a number which totals at least 13,000
people.
According to Oliveira’s coach, Diego LIma, Neymar matched the total
amount in his own donation to the southern Brazilian state. The
experience with Oliveira was acquired by businessman Roman Shpigel,
who will have the opportunity to accomapny the Brazilian to his
next UFC fight. The experience also provides behind-the-scenes
access, including a training session and being present during the
weight-cutting process. Shpigel will also receive two tickets to
the event at which Oliveira competes.
It is currently unknown when Oliveira will make his Octagon return.
“Do Bronx” last appeared at UFC
300 where he dropped a split decision to Tsarukyan in a
lightweight title eliminator.