Charles Oliveira Returns to Brazil to Face Rafael Fiziev
UFC’s former lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira, is preparing to fight in Brazil for the first time in over five years. The anticipated match will be against Rafael Fiziev on October 11th in Rio de Janeiro.
The UFC announced this matchup in the 155-pound category on Thursday. The fight, scheduled for five rounds, will be the main event of UFC Fight Night at the Farmasi Arena. This event will mark the return of the UFC to Rio de Janeiro since May 2024.
Oliveira, 35, is coming off a first-round knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in June, in the fight for the vacant UFC 317 title. Despite the recent defeat, the opportunity to fight at home has motivated Oliveira to quickly return to the octagon.
Originally from the Brazilian favelas, Oliveira has not fought in his home country since March 2020. That event was held behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The last time Oliveira fought in front of a Brazilian crowd was in November 2019.
Fiziev (13-4), 32 years old, will seek to consolidate his career. Although he has shown great potential in the UFC, he recently went through a streak of three losses, including two against former interim champion Justin Gaethje. In June, he achieved a decision victory over Ignacio Bahamondes, which gave him a boost in his career.
Oliveira and Fiziev are currently ranked number 4 and 10 respectively in the UFC lightweight rankings.
