Vinicius Oliveira

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started in martial arts when I was a kid because people beat me up a lot, so I started at the gym to learn how to defend myself, and also to earn money.

Who are your main training partners? Besides my coaches, I only have one training partner. His name is Júnior Lobão. He’s the only one who’s been able to handle the pressure of standing in front of LokDog during an intense camp.

What ranks and titles have you held? I was the two-time UAE Warriors champion.

Who is your favorite fighter and why? I am my own favorite fighter, because I became everything no one ever imagined someone could be.

Do you have any heroes outside of fighting? Yes. My hero is Rafael Sombra. He saved me from a dark hole that I put myself into.

What do you consider the key fight of your career and why? All my fights are important, but the most important one was probably my fight on the Contender Series. That was the turning point between achieving my dream of entering the UFC or walking away from everything and moving on as a normal person.

What was your job before you started fighting? I worked on construction sites, I was a driver, I sold DVDs on the street. I managed as I could.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? I did around 30 amateur fights and I had only two losses; the rest were wins.

What are your current ranks in martial arts? I’m a brown belt in jiu-jitsu and hold a black prajied Muay Thai rank. That’s more than enough.

Favorite grappling technique: Attack legs

Favorite Striking technique: Hook

Is there a cause you want to use your platform for? I want to create projects to help take kids off the wrong path and also help families in need. I believe that over time social media will help me make that happen.

Beyond a championship or money, what motivates you? Honestly, the belt doesn’t motivate me as much as money does. Money is what will support my family and give my parents a comfortable life. After money, what motivates me is what I’ll be able to build with it.

Tell us about your life outside of fighting: Even outside of fighting, I’m still a fighter. I can’t escape that. I try to live a lighter life with my family, my wife, my daughter (1-year-old), one dog, and two birds. I still pressure myself for not spending enough time with them, but I’m not able to live a normal life like most people yet. I spend most of my time training and living an athletic lifestyle, and when I get home it’s already late. But with the little time I have, I always try to give them my best. Maybe after I make a few million, I’ll allow myself the luxury of enjoying life a bit more.