In a demonstration of resilience and talent, Charles Oliveira secured a resounding victory in his return home in Rio de Janeiro, just four months after suffering the toughest knockout of his career. Oliveira (36-11) submitted Mateusz Gamrot (25-4) via rear-naked choke at 2:48 of the second round in the main event of UFC Fight Night held at the Farmasi Arena. This victory comes 105 days after Oliveira was knocked out in a lightweight title fight against Ilia Topuria. There was concern in the sports world about whether Oliveira had returned too soon to headline his first appearance in his home country, Brazil, since 2020, but there seemed to be no after-effects from the defeat.
This triumph adds more shine to Oliveira’s already impressive legacy. He expanded his UFC records for finishes (21) and submissions (17). In addition, he tied Neil Magny for the most wins in UFC history, with 24, trailing only Jim Miller’s 27 victories. Immediately after the victory, Oliveira reiterated his proposal to face the BMF champion and ranked lightweight Max Holloway, whom he faced more than a decade ago, in 2015.I’m trying to hold back the tears right now. This is for you, the Brazilian fans. This isn’t about money, fame, or status. This is for Brazil.
Charles Oliveira
The fight was a characteristic performance from Oliveira from the start. He pressured Gamrot with his high-volume Muay Thai style. Gamrot, who entered the fight on short notice as a replacement for Rafael Fiziev, took Oliveira to the ground in the first half of the first round, but Oliveira used the threat of an omoplata to reverse the position and take Gamrot’s back. In the second round, both lightweights exchanged blows until Oliveira secured a body lock and lifted Gamrot off the ground. Finally, Oliveira took Gamrot’s back and executed the choke. This was a moment that Oliveira had essentially been waiting for since March 2020, when he headlined an event in Brazil in an empty stadium due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He then won the UFC championship in 2021, but never had the opportunity to defend his belt in Brazil. Oliveira was already number 4 in the UFC lightweight rankings before this victory. Gamrot was ranked number 8. Holloway (27-8) is coming off a decision victory over Dustin Poirier in July, after which Holloway stated that he would likely be out for the rest of 2025 due to a right hand injury.Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, BMF. Let’s make this happen.
Charles Oliveira
