UFC star Charles Oliveira recently revealed he contemplated making a purchase straight out of Mike Tyson`s famous playbook before his upcoming fight against Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 – buying a tiger.
Oliveira is scheduled to face Topuria for the vacant UFC lightweight title on June 28th. The bout presents “Do Bronx” with the opportunity to make history by becoming the first fighter to ever reclaim the UFC lightweight championship.
In the lead-up to the highly anticipated clash, Topuria, known as “El Matador,” has been very outspoken with his predictions and has shared numerous training videos online. He`s also made significant changes to his fight camp, parting ways with his long-time coaches, the Climent brothers, and even receiving assistance from former world champion boxer Roy Jones Jr.
Despite Topuria often being perceived as the more dangerous striker in this matchup, it was Oliveira who disclosed his own brush with acquiring exotic animals, reminiscent of Mike Tyson.
Oliveira recently gave cameras a tour of his residence and farm. His property is home to various animals, including a bird enclosure that drew comparisons to the former heavyweight boxing champion, Tyson.
Following this comparison, Oliveira elaborated on how close he actually came to purchasing a tiger for his farm, explaining the singular reason he ultimately decided against it.
When asked directly if he desired tigers like Mike Tyson, Oliveira explained the practical difficulties.
“You can`t have them here,” Oliveira stated. “Some time ago, I had everything built on the farm to be able to house them, but man, they eat a lot.”
He continued, explaining the constant care required: “I made the stuff to be able to have them, but man, there`s no way you can have it. Like, I`m not around much, you know? I`d have to leave them to the responsibility of my parents, so I can`t.”
Oliveira noted that his farm remains home to a variety of other animals, including llamas, ostriches, horses, and different types of game.
Mike Tyson`s Troubles With Tigers
Given Mike Tyson`s own documented difficulties with his pet tigers, it may indeed be a fortunate outcome that Oliveira opted against acquiring one. Tyson reportedly got rid of his tiger, Kenya, after owning her for over 16 years, partly due to health conditions but also following a notorious incident where the tiger injured a reporter`s arm.
Following the incident where his tiger bit the reporter, Tyson reportedly paid a substantial $250,000 settlement.
While Charles Oliveira shares a notable affinity for nature and animals, mirroring Mike Tyson in that regard, fans are primarily hoping that “Do Bronx” has inherited “Iron Mike`s” famed ferociousness and intensity when he steps into the octagon to face Ilia Topuria on June 28th.
Jack Thornley