Charles Oliveira’s skin tells a story. Each mark, each line of ink, speaks of battles fought, both inside the Octagon and beyond. As he gears up to face Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Rio after Rafael Fiziev’s withdrawal due to injury, fans aren’t just talking about his fighting skills. They’re talking about the art etched on his body, his tattoos.

From roaring lions to gentle heartbeats, Oliveira’s tattoos are more than decoration. They’re diary entries in ink, each symbolizing courage, family, and faith. So, what secrets lie beneath the surface of ‘Do Bronx’s skin?

Charles Oliveira’s Lion & Surname Back Tattoo Meaning

When the cameras zoomed in during Oliveira’s UFC 289 clash against Beneil Dariush, fans caught a glimpse of something majestic, a massive lion sprawling across his back. He revealed the piece on Instagram in January 2023, proudly displaying the lion’s fierce gaze and wrote in the caption, “11 hours of hard work”, done by his go-to artist, William Espósito. The result? A roaring masterpiece that covers his entire back.

For Oliveira, the lion represents strength, courage, and dominance, the same traits that define him inside the cage. And the bold “Oliveira” etched across the top of his spine? That’s his “jersey name.” Since fighters don’t wear jerseys like soccer players, ‘Do Bronx’ turned his back into one.

Now, let’s shift our focus over to other parts of his tattoo collection!

Animal-Themed Tattoos: Horse, Lion, Rhino, Elephant, Gorilla Explained

Almost all of Oliveira’s fans are aware of his love for horses. He also revealed, “Harness racing is a real passion for me. When you ride a horse, when you brush them, give them a bath, it makes me feel peaceful”. Along with horses, Oliveira is also hugely interested in the less-known sport of harness racing. Reportedly, he has also spent some exorbitant amounts on it.

Looking at all of these factors, it’s quite understandable why the former UFC lightweight kingpin chose to get multiple horse tattoos. Oliviera’s left shoulder, arm, and biceps all carry beautiful images of horses inked on them.

Yet, the Brazilian’s love for animals isn’t just a passing interest, it’s a reflection of his spirit. His right arm tells that tale vividly. On his forearm, he sports another lion, a symbol of bravery. On his outer bicep, a rhino as an emblem of power and resilience. Move inward, and an elephant rests on his inner bicep, marking a sign of wisdom and loyalty. And on his arm, a gorilla roars, a beast known for strength and leadership.

Each tattoo mirrors a part of his character: the warrior, the leader, the thinker, and the dreamer. Beyond this, Family is the heartbeat of Charles Oliveira’s life, and he’s made sure it’s literally etched on his skin.

Family Portraits, Heartbeat, and ‘T&C’ Wrist Tattoo Symbolism

Charles Oliveira is one of the most responsible UFC athletes when things come to his family. Apart from maintaining a loving relationship with his partner, the 35-year-old is also a responsible father. Oliveira has also put out a testimony of his love for his daughter with a portrait tattoo of her on the left side of his chest.

Apart from the face of Oliveira’s beloved daughter, the tattoo also has a lettering of her name just below it. The letters spell ‘Tayla’. But that’s not the only family he’s got inked, as Charles also has his parents tattooed on his chest as well. Many of Oliveira’s fans might have noticed that previously he only had his daughter’s portrait inked on the left side of his chest. But currently, his chest is all covered up with tattoos. Oliveira got the portrait of his father, Ozana Oliveira, and mother, Francisco Antonio da Silva, just beside the portrait of his daughter’s face.

On his left forearm, a heartbeat tattoo reminds him never to take life for granted. And then there’s the small, easily missed tattoo on his left wrist. Two intertwined threads form a knot with the initials “T” and “C” above it. The letters stand for him and his ex-wife, Talita Roberta Pereira.

The knot? It once symbolized the bond they shared. Though the relationship has changed, the ink remains and beyond family and spirit animals, Oliveira’s body also pays homage to the sport that made him who he is.

Chute Box Gym and MMA Homages

Among his collection is the ‘Chute Boxe Muay Thai, Diego Lima’ tattoo on the back of his neck, an ode to his training home and the birthplace of his evolution as a fighter. It’s a mark of loyalty to the gym that molded his skill and discipline. For Oliveira, Chute Boxe isn’t just a team; it’s family. The tattoo stands alongside his others as a symbol of gratitude to the coaches, teammates, and countless hours that built “Do Bronx.”

As he faces Mateusz Gamrot in his next test, the ink on his skin serves as a reminder that beneath the gloves and glory lies a man defined not just by what he fights for, but who he fights for!