After suffering the toughest knockout of his career less than four months ago, Charles Oliveira returned home with a spectacular victory 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 at the Farmasi Arena. This victory came just 105 days after Oliveira was knocked out in a lightweight title fight by Ilia Topuria. Many in the mixed martial arts world feared that Oliveira was rushing back to headline his first appearance in his home country, Brazil, since 2020, but there seemed to be no after-effects from the defeat.
This victory adds to Oliveira’s already impressive legacy. He extended his UFC records for finishes (21) and submissions (17). In addition, he tied Neil Magny for the most wins in UFC history with 24, behind only Jim Miller’s 27. Immediately after the victory, Oliveira reiterated his proposal to face the BMF champion and ranked lightweight Max Holloway, a match dating back to 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 display from Oliveira from the first moment. He walked towards Gamrot with his high-volume Muay Thai style. Gamrot, who replaced Rafael Fiziev with little anticipation, took Oliveira down 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 fighters exchanged blows until Oliveira managed a body grip and lifted Gamrot off the ground. Finally, Oliveira took Gamrot’s back and applied the choke. It 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. Oliveira was already the UFC’s number 4 lightweight before this victory, while Gamrot was ranked number 8. Holloway (27-8) is coming off a decision after five rounds against Dustin Poirier in July, after which Holloway announced that he would likely take the rest of 2025 off due to a right hand injury.Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, BMF. Let’s make this happen.
Charles Oliveira
