UFC submission king shares insights, skills, and inspiration with fans and fighters in Thailand
Phuket, Thailand – Former UFC lightweight champion Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira touched down at Phuket’s Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA on January 25th and 26th, delivering an electrifying two-day event that included a Q&A session, an open workout, and a hands-on seminar packed with the advanced techniques that have made him a household name in mixed martial arts. Day one of the event was expertly hosted by Antoine Pinto, a former Rajadamnern World Series (RWS) announcer and accomplished Muay Thai fighter, who brought energy and professionalism to the Q&A and open workout sessions.
With a legacy cemented as the UFC’s all-time submission leader and one of the sport’s most inspirational figures, Oliveira left fans and fighters in awe as he shared his story, showcased his skills, and offered a glimpse into the mindset that’s driven him to the pinnacle of the sport.
Q&A: Oliveira Reflects on His Journey and Future Goals
The event kicked off with an intimate Q&A session where Oliveira, known for his humility and faith, opened up about his career and personal life. Despite admitting to shyness due to limited English, the Brazilian fan favorite made an immediate connection with the diverse crowd. With the help of Celly, an interpreter fluent in Brazilian Portuguese and English—and with Muay Thai experience to add context—Oliveira fielded questions about his next title run, a potential welterweight move, and even a long-anticipated BMF matchup with Max Holloway.
A particularly touching moment came when a fan presented Oliveira with a heartfelt gift, a gesture that reinforced the unique bond he shares with his supporters.
“Charles is a fighter who’s known for his resilience, but what makes him stand out is how deeply he connects with people,” said Che Chengsupanimit, assistant wrestling coach at Bangtao. “This event felt like more than just a Q&A—it was a celebration of the values that make MMA such a global phenomenon.”
Che also reflected on the multicultural atmosphere of the event, noting that many attendees didn’t speak English as their first language. “At Bangtao, we hear conversations in Thai, Mandarin, French, Spanish—you name it. That kind of inclusivity is what made this event so special, and Celly did an incredible job bridging the gap while even demonstrating techniques alongside Charles.”
Open Workout: Oliveira Meets Bangtao’s World-Class Team
The Q&A was followed by an open workout that turned up the intensity. Oliveira hit the MMA cage to showcase the striking and grappling skills that have defined his career. Holding pads for the former champ were some of Bangtao’s finest, including Muay Thai legend Lerdsila Chumpairtour, co-founder and renowned MMA coach George Hickman, and former Rajadamnern Stadium Champion and 2011 Fighter Of The Year Kaimookkao.
Lerdsila Chumpairtour, a multiple-time Muay Thai world champion, brought an unmatched level of experience to the session. Nicknamed “The Eel” for his slick, evasive style, Lerdsila is a legend in the sport with over 200 professional victories. His elusive footwork and defensive brilliance have earned him recognition as one of the greatest Muay Thai practitioners of all time, and his collaboration with Oliveira underscored the high caliber of talent at Bangtao.
George Hickman, the gym’s co-founder and one of the most respected MMA coaches in the game, has been instrumental in shaping Bangtao into a global hub for combat sports. A former NCAA Division I wrestler, Hickman earned the 2020 Asian MMA Coach of the Year award and has been a cornerstone in the development of countless UFC contenders and world champions. His expertise and leadership were on full display as he worked with Oliveira, offering fans a front-row seat to the kind of world-class training that defines Bangtao.
Kaimookkao, a decorated Muay Thai champion, added his expertise to the event as one of Charles Oliveira’s pad holders. A former Rajadamnern Stadium Champion and Thailand National Champion, Kaimookkao is renowned for his technical precision and relentless fighting style. His career includes a signature victory over Rodtang Jitmuangnon, solidifying his status as one of Thailand’s elite fighters. During the open workout, Kaimookkao demonstrated the striking skills and tactical mastery that have defined his career, giving fans a firsthand look at the art of Muay Thai at its highest level.
After the workout, Oliveira stayed behind to interact with fans, posing for photos and signing merchandise in a moment that highlighted his down-to-earth personality.
Seminar: A Masterclass from the Submission King
The second day of the event brought an impressive turnout of 280 participants eager to learn from the man who holds the UFC record for most submission wins. Oliveira wasted no time, diving into foundational entries like the 1-2 combination into single- and double-leg takedowns before transitioning into backtakes and submissions.
Fans were treated to a rare look at his signature anaconda and d’arce chokes—techniques that have finished some of the biggest names in the sport, including Dustin Poirier. Throughout the seminar, Oliveira emphasized the mindset and preparation required to succeed in MMA, offering participants insights they couldn’t find anywhere else.
“To learn directly from a fighter of Oliveira’s caliber is something that doesn’t happen every day,” said Will Elliott, Managing Director at Bangtao. “This seminar wasn’t just about techniques—it was about understanding what it takes to compete and win at the highest level.”
A Celebration of Community and Culture
The multicultural spirit of the event was a highlight for many attendees. Oliveira’s journey as a non-native English speaker resonated deeply with fans and fighters from around the world, fostering a sense of mutual respect and camaraderie.
“At Bangtao, we pride ourselves on being a truly international gym, and this event embodied that,” said Will. “Having Charles here not only reinforced the global appeal of MMA but also showcased the inclusivity that defines our community.”
Limited Edition Merchandise: A Sell-Out Success
To commemorate the event, Bangtao released limited edition Charles Oliveira T-shirts, which sold out almost immediately. Fans lucky enough to snag one left with a unique piece of memorabilia, adding to the unforgettable experience.
Relive the Moments: Event Photos Now Online
Our in-house photographers captured every unforgettable moment of Charles Oliveira’s two-day event at Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA. From the inspiring Q&A to the intense seminar and fan interactions, it’s all here. Check out the full gallery, including your fan photos, and relive the excitement: View Event Photos.
About Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA
Located in the heart of Phuket, Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA is a premier training facility catering to athletes of all levels. With world-class coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to fostering a global community, Bangtao has become a destination for fighters and fitness enthusiasts from around the globe.
For more information, visit www.bangtaomuaythai.com.