In a triumphant return and with a dominant performance, Charles Oliveira demonstrated his worth in Rio de Janeiro, just four months after suffering the toughest knockout of his career. Oliveira (36-11) submitted Mateusz Gamrot (25-4) with a rear-naked choke at 2:48 of the second round in the main event of UFC Fight Night at the Farmasi Arena. This victory came 105 days after Oliveira was knocked out in a lightweight title fight by Ilia Topuria.
This victory enriches Oliveira’s legacy, already worthy of the Hall of Fame. He extended his UFC records for finishes (21) and submissions (17). In addition, he tied with Neil Magny for the most wins in UFC history, with 24, surpassed only by Jim Miller, with 27. After the triumph, Oliveira reiterated his proposal to face the BMF champion and ranked lightweight Max Holloway. Both fighters faced each other more than a decade ago, in 2015, where Holloway defeated Oliveira in a featherweight bout.I’m trying to hold back the tears right now. This is for you, the Brazilian fans. This is not about money, fame, or status. This is for Brazil.
Charles Oliveira
From the start, Oliveira imposed his style. Gamrot, who replaced Rafael Fiziev, tried to take the fight to the ground in the first round, but Oliveira reversed the position and took his opponent’s back. In the second round, after exchanging blows, Oliveira applied a bodylock and lifted Gamrot, finishing with the choke. This moment was expected by Oliveira since March 2020, when he headlined an event in Brazil in an empty arena due to the pandemic.Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, BMF. Let’s make this happen.
Charles Oliveira
Before this victory, Oliveira was already in the number 4 position in the UFC lightweight ranking, while Gamrot was in number 8. Holloway comes from a decision over Dustin Poirier in July.
