A Russian businessman named Roman Shpigel paid $95,000 at the Instituto Projeto Neymar auction to experience a Charles Oliveira training session and attend his next UFC fight, contributing to a record-breaking $5.1 million raised for Neymar’s institute, which supports children and teenagers in Brazil.
A Russian businessman purchased a Charles Oliveira experience for a whopping $95,000 at the annual Instituto Projeto Neymar auction on Monday night in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Roman Shpigel won the bid to pay nearly six figures to watch Oliveira train at Chute Boxe Diego Lima. Then, he’ll fly to wherever Oliveira’s next UFC fight takes place. Shpigel will get a chance to watch the former UFC lightweight champion cut weight. He’ll also join the team for the post-weigh-ins day. The deal includes two tickets for the event.
UFC has yet to announce a date, location, and opponent for Oliveira’s next bout. “Do Bronx” lost a decision to Arman Tsarukyan in his most recent appearance in April at UFC 300.
This year’s auction broke last year’s fundraising records by totaling $5.1 million. Neymar’s institute supports around 3,000 kids and teenagers from Jardim Gloria, Praia Grande. Neymar, who currently plays for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, was the No. 7 highest-paid athlete of 2024 according to Forbes with $108 million earnings. He announced an additional $5.1 million donation to Rio Grande do Sul, the Brazilian state recently affected by floods.
Shpigel bought two other experiences, paying $190,000 to visit Neymar’s house. He also paid a six-figure sum for an experience with Brazilian soccer team Flamengo and a barbecue at Leo Pereira’s house. Other items auctioned included a jersey from Pele’s final match in 1977. There was also a poker match with Neymar. A Paris Saint Germain jersey autographed by the Brazilian icon, as well as football stars Messi and Suarez, was also auctioned.