When Charles Oliveira steps into the Octagon on Saturday (May 15) in the main event of UFC 262, his focus will be on opponent Michael Chandler. But after the fight there's a good chance you'll find the mixed martial artist heading home to hang out with horses.

The Brazilian lightweight, who fights out of São Paulo, participates in that country's Standardbred racing industry and professes a profound love of the horse.

"Harness racing is a real passion for me," Oliveira told the UFC. "When you ride a horse, when you brush them, give them a bath, it makes me feel peaceful.

"If things aren't going great at home, if I've lost a fight or something, any problem at all, I come [to the stable] and ride the horses and I feel reinvigorated."

The harness racing industry in Brazil isn't at the level of what's found in North America, but Oliveira is helping raise the sport's profile in the South American country.

"Harness racing is a sport that isn't really seen as a real sport in Brazil," said Eduardo 'Dudu' Magrini, owner of Stud Fenomeno. "Charles has really helped us make it grow. He helps advertise it, he participates, he trains. He's a perfect fit for our team."

With a record of 30-8-1 and the most submission wins in UFC history with 14, Oliveira is certainly skilled at his craft and he definitely enjoys his job. That said, he'd be just as happy to manage a stable of Standardbreds.

"Fighting is something that I like. I like it. I like making money. I can buy things, and I have my horses. I can give everything to my daughter...but horses are my true passion. I'm crazy about it. If you told me I had to take care of all of them, and train all of them, I'd be happy to do it. It brings me peace."