Say goodbye to "Do Bronx"—for now. But don’t get fooled: Charles Oliveira is not stepping away from the octagon anytime soon. A recent interview created a buzz with a misinterpretation suggesting Oliveira was already eyeing his final fight. However, the Brazilian star quickly clarified those rumors, firmly stating he has zero plans to retire at this stage.
"The retirement chatter exists only in your minds," Oliveira told MMA Junkie in an exclusive chat. "I have never mentioned retiring. Every time I speak to the media, retirement is the topic people keep pushing. But honestly, I’ve never seriously considered it. The questions are repetitive, but my mindset is clear—I’m not even close to thinking about hanging up my gloves."
That said, ahead of his upcoming showdown at UFC Rio against Mateusz Gamrot, Oliveira is ready to shed his iconic nickname "Do Bronx," which pays homage to his roots in the favelas of Brazil. Instead, he’ll enter the cage as "Predator."
“Only a Predator survives the hunt for ultimate strength,” Oliveira shared on Instagram. “From now on, in and out of the octagon, I’m Charles the Predator—a fighter who confronts challenges head-on and welcomes whatever comes next. This mission is bigger than just a fight: it’s about reclaiming respect for a people.”
How genuine is this change? Earlier this year, Oliveira toyed with a new nickname, "Iluminado," during his bout with Ilia Topuria, even sporting flashy jewelry branded with it. However, this latest transformation appears to serve a purpose beyond personal branding—it’s part of a marketing partnership with the soon-to-be-released movie, Predator: Wild Lands.
“Catch ‘Predator: Wild Lands’ hitting theaters November 6,” he concluded his announcement, tagging 20th Century Studios Brazil.
One can only hope Oliveira is receiving well-deserved compensation for this promotional crossover—and hopefully, this new moniker won't overshadow the beloved "Do Bronx" nickname for long. Some fans might wonder: should a fighter’s identity ever be tied to movie marketing? Does this commercial tie-in dilute Oliveira’s authentic persona?
Watch UFC Rio live on ESPN+ on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This event features a loaded fight card with Oliveira, the former Lightweight champion making a strong comeback, taking on the formidable Mateusz Gamrot in a five-round main event battle. The co-main event showcases Brazilian favorite Deiveson Figueiredo facing off against American contender Montel Jackson, both seeking crucial victories in the competitive 135-pound division.
MMAmania.com will deliver detailed, round-by-round live coverage of UFC Rio, starting with the prelims online at 4 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 7 p.m. ET—all streaming via ESPN+.
For the latest updates, news, and full fight breakdowns on UFC Rio: "Oliveira vs. Gamrot," be sure to visit MMAmania’s comprehensive event archive.
**So, what do you think? Is Oliveira’s new "Predator" persona a savvy marketing move or a step away from his true identity? Can "Do Bronx" ever be replaced? Share your thoughts and join the debate below!
