Charles Oliveira, after suffering the hardest knockout of his career less than four months ago, achieved a triumphant return in Rio de Janeiro. 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 held at the Farmasi Arena. This victory came 105 days after Oliveira was knocked out in a lightweight title fight by Ilia Topuria. Many in the sports world feared that Oliveira would rush back to lead his first appearance in his home country since 2020, but there seemed to be no lingering effect from the defeat.
This triumph further enriches Oliveira’s legacy, 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, only behind Jim Miller’s 27. Immediately after the victory, Oliveira reiterated his proposal to face the BMF champion and ranked lightweight Max Holloway, whom he met in 2015. It was a characteristic performance from Oliveira from the start. He cornered Gamrot with his high-volume Muay Thai style. Gamrot, who replaced Rafael Fiziev on short notice, took Oliveira down in the first half of the first round, but Oliveira used the threat of an omoplata to reverse position and take Gamrot’s back. In the second round, both fighters exchanged blows until Oliveira achieved a bodylock and lifted Gamrot off the ground. Finally, Oliveira took Gamrot’s back and applied the choke. This was a moment Oliveira had 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.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
Before the victory, Oliveira was already number 4 in the UFC lightweight ranking. Gamrot was in the number 8 position. Holloway (27-8) comes from a five-round decision over Dustin Poirier in July, after which Holloway said he would probably be out for the rest of 2025 due to a right hand injury.