EXCLUSIVE: Felipe Lima discusses his return after more than a year and assesses the challenge at UFC Paris.

Felipe Lima in action at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

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Felipe Lima is ready to start a new chapter in his career. After more than a year away from the octagon, the 'Jungle Boy' returns at UFC Paris this Saturday (5), when he faces Morgan Charriere in the featherweight category (up to 65,8 kg). The fight also marks the athlete's move up a division, after his time in the bantamweight division (up to 61,2 kg).

In an exclusive interview with SUPER LUTAS , Felipe revealed that the time away from fighting was important for making decisions about the future and better understanding his own body. The Brazilian explained how the decision to change weight classes came about.

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“I learned a lot during the time I was away from fighting, more than a year without fighting, a time I needed to make the right decisions in my career and in my life. So, it was a time when I learned a lot about myself, about my body. The decision to change weight classes was a necessary time to, like, rise from the ashes and start a new chapter in my life and career,” said Felipe Lima.

Felipe's last fight was in June 2025, when he was defeated by Payton Talbott at UFC 317. Now, the fighter will face an opponent known for his aggressive style and who will have the support of the French crowd. Despite this, the 'Jungle Boy' believes that the clash of styles is favorable to his game and doesn't hide his confidence for the duel.

“Man, it’s a really good fight. Morgan is also a very good athlete, it’s a fight that suits my game well. So, he’s a guy who has several openings in his game and I can’t wait to get my hands on him, beat him up, in front of his crowd,” the Brazilian exclaimed.

The fight against Charriere will therefore be more than just Felipe Lima 's return . The confrontation represents the beginning of a new phase for the athlete, now in a different division and after a period dedicated to rebuilding his career inside and outside the octagon.

Brazilian's UFC debut

The submission victory of 🇧🇷 Felipe Lima in his UFC debut against 🇹🇯 Muhammad Naimov , just now in Saudi Arabia. #ufcbr pic.twitter.com/l8Ab2nomFe

— MMA Melotto (@MMAmelotto) June 22, 2024

Felipe's career path in professional MMA.

Felipe Lima after his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

At 28 years old, Felipe Lima is one of the standout Brazilian fighters of the new generation in MMA. A professional since 2015, the Amazonian native has a record of 14 wins and two losses, with four victories by knockout and three by submission. A former bantamweight champion of OKTAGON MMA and an athlete at Allstars Training Center, he has been training with Khamzat Chimaev for five years.

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