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[Cat--Smasher]

Once overpowered, UFC 152's Charles Oliveira finds second title life at featherweight

Whether it was inexperience or stubbornness or simply a matter of not knowing better, Charles Oliveira (16-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) slowly realized he wasn't cut out for lightweight.

Despite winning his first 14 pro fights, most of which came at 155 pounds, UFC losses to Jim Miller and Donald Cerrone made Oliveira realize the rest of the division was just too big for him.

Now, in search of his third straight win at featherweight, the Brazilian hopes a victory over Cub Swanson (17-5 MMA, 2-1 UFC) on Saturday's UFC 152 main card moves him deeper into title contention.

Oliveira and Swanson kick off UFC 152's main card, which airs live on pay-per-view from Toronto's Air Canada Centre. The five-bout lineup follows prelims on FX and Facebook.

Recent submission wins over Eric Wisely and "The Ultimate Fighter 12" winner Jonathan Brookins have Oliveira a few steps closer to featherweight champion Jose Aldo. Admittedly, though, stoppage losses to Miller and Cerrone in 2010 and 2011 made the 22-year-old Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt realize 145 pounds was his best play.

"I was doing well for a while as a lightweight prior to those setbacks," he told MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com). "Regardless, I was always smaller than my opponents. Every strike felt hard and heavy.

"So my team and I decided to drop to featherweight so things would be more even. Thankfully my trainers helped me learn how to cut weight the right way. It was the best decision. I have two finishes since. I plan to stay here."

Oliveira, who's picked up wins via calf slicer and anaconda choke in his most recent appearances, looks to sustain the momentum against the well-rounded Swanson, a longtime WEC fighter who's recently picked up back-to-back knockout wins over George Roop and Ross Pearson. In a division light on top contenders, Oliveira knows a UFC 152 victory could go a long way.

"We both are coming off two straight wins – mine are subs, his are KOs – so the winner will be in a great place," he said. "And even if a fourth victory is necessary, I understand that. Regardless, I'm only concentrating on Cub for now. Win or lose, I leave it in God's hands. I came to the UFC to fight the best, and that's what I'm doing."

Once overpowered, UFC 152's Charles Oliveira finds second title life at featherweight | MMAjunkie.com

[wandfight89]

I hope Oliveira gets into title contention. He's a great fighter with great skills. I was actually in the audience when he pulled off the calf-slicer and the place just erupted with excitement.

[Bearded Big Country]

Originally Posted by wandfight89

I hope Oliveira gets into title contention. He's a great fighter with great skills. I was actually in the audience when he pulled off the calf-slicer and the place just erupted with excitement.

He's a dark horse thats going to be one of the top guys and a test for everyone. Guy is a beast.

[Chute_Boxe44]

I think he'll eventually end up back at 155 personally

He's still super young and will definitely have trouble cutting down in my opinion with his frame

[Sniggles]

Originally Posted by Bearded Big Country

He's a dark horse thats going to be one of the top guys and a test for everyone. Guy is a beast.

I don't think he is necessarily a dark horse. He had the hype of Rick Story with well.... the same story.