Every so often, the world of Mixed Martial Arts undergoes several changes. Be it a set of rules, a change in the roster, or an influx of new faces, the sport has always evolved into a better version of its past self. Training future champions or moving out and building your own gym, both are common sights in the world of combat sports. The same applies to the head coach of UFC lightweight Beneil Dariush.
The Iranian-American is currently preparing for a war against the former lightweight king, Charles Oliveira. Needless to say, a lot of eyeballs are on the upcoming lightweight showdown at UFC 289 showdown. Previously, the two were scheduled to face each other at UFC 288. However, an undisclosed injury forced ‘Do Bronxs’ to pull out of the fight.
Charles and his upcoming opponent might not have anything directly in common. However, the latter’s head coach and Oliveira, both are a product of the Chute Boxe lineage. The recent UFC 289 Countdown video shines a light on this subject for a brief moment.
After his defeat to Paul Felder in 2017, Charles famously joined Chute Boxe Academy to improve his striking game. As per the Brazilian, his former gym Macao Gold Team focused heavily on BJJ with complementary striking. However, he was already confident with his ground game, thus he felt the need to move things around.
The Squad!#CHUTEBOXE pic.twitter.com/lsbbHmwJdj
— Charles ‘DoBronxs’ Oliveira (@CharlesDoBronxs) June 23, 2022
The famous switch-up led Oliveira to rake up an 11-fight win streak from 2018 up until his recent loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 280. During the process, Charles got hold of the lightweight gold and even defended the coveted title. Chute Boxe’s trademark aggressive Muay Thai style helped the 33-year-old secure wins over notable names like Tony Ferguson, Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, Justin Gaethje, and more.
Speaking on the same, Oliveira said on the Countdown video, “I’ve had great opportunities to fight and be a part of other teams both abroad and in Brazil, but this is where my story is. I’m a true Chute Boxe guy.”
Is Beneil Dariush’s head coach from Chute Boxe?
Like most coaches, Rafael Cordeiro began as an MMA fighter at first. He was affiliated with the Chute Boxe Academy where he participated in MMA and Muay Thai. Using the knowledge gained at the famed gym, Cordeiro became a 3-time Brazilian Muay Thai champion and the IVC (International Vale Tudo) lightweight champion.
In 1999, Cordeiro stopped competing and became a full-time coach at Chute Boxe where he’d remain for the next decade. After moving to America, Cordeiro opened his own gym, Kings MMA in Huntington Beach, California. During his time in Brazil, coach Rafael has trained some of the most ruthless fighters in the combat sports realm. His pupils most notably include Anderson Silva, Shogun Rua, Wanderlei Silva, Rafael Dos Anjos, etc.
Congratulations to Rafael Cordeiro
This man breeds killers
From Chute Box to Kings MMA
Anderson, Wanderlei, Shogun, Fabricio, RDA
— MMA History Today (@MMAHistoryToday) December 20, 2015
While at his own gym, Rafael continued working with the best of the best – Fabricio Werdum, Kelvin Gastelum, and of course Oliveira’s upcoming opponent – Beneil Dariush. It is noteworthy that Chute Boxe also has one of its many branches in California as well, albeit in Long Beach.
Speaking on the subject, Cordeiro mentioned how he passes on the knowledge he once learned at Chute Boxe. In the same Countdown video, coach Rafael said, “I came from Chute Boxe, one of the best schools in the world. After all those years I brought all the knowledge that I have learned during my career. And now I pass it to my students.”
Led by head trainer Rafael Cordeiro,
Wanderlei was a part of one of the most dangerous camps of all time: Chute Boxe Academy pic.twitter.com/YOLf1Zq5xA
— MMA History Today (@MMAHistoryToday) November 1, 2016
Charle’s now-head coach, Diego Lima chimed in his two cents as well on the matter. He said, “Chute Boxe has its roots in Muay Thai, so you can say it’s the same with King’s MMA since Rafael founded it. That’s why I think the fight will be a war.”
The upcoming lightweight war between Beneil Dariush and ‘Do Bronxs’ is sure to put up fireworks for the fans. However, the interesting backstory and the link between Oliveira and Benny’s head coach have made the bout even more compelling. A classic tale of gym wars, one might suggest.