UFC 162's Charles Oliveira signs new four-fight UFC contract

Even though he is 2-3 (1 NC) in his past six fights, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight Charles Oliveira has signed a new four-fight contract with the organization ahead of a career-defining match up with former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar at UFC 162 on July 6, 2013.

MMA Junkie reported the news on Friday (March 29, 2013) afternoon and while the length of the contract was released, the financial terms remain unknown.

Oliveira (16-3, 1 NC) was a name few expected to be Edgar's next opponent; however, he has been given the chance to elevate his status in the 145-pound weight in a big way by taking out "The Answer," who is coming off a close decision defeat to featherweight champion Jose Aldo at UFC 156 last February.

The 23-year-old has fought under the UFC banner eight times dating back to 2010, compiling a 4-3 (1 NC) record inside the Octagon.

His most recent effort may have been the Brazilian's worst inside the Octagon, as he missed weight for his UFC 152 bout against Cub Swanson and was subsequently knocked out in the first round.

While UFC contract extensions are a fairly redundant piece of news these days, the fact the world's premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization is rewarding Oliveira with a new contract is, at the very least, a sign of good will for taking a match up few expect him to win.

UFC 162: "Silva vs. Weidman" goes down July 6, 2013, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main event of the evening will see UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva put his belt on the line for the 10th time against undefeated Chris Weidman.

For more news and notes on UFC 162, check out our event archive here.