After suffering the toughest knockout of his career less than four months ago, Charles Oliveira made a big comeback in his country, Brazil, on Saturday 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 sport feared that Oliveira was returning too soon to headline his first appearance in his home country since 2020, but there didn’t seem to be any lingering effects from the defeat.
This triumph adds to Oliveira’s already impressive legacy. 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, just behind Jim Miller, who has 27. Immediately after the victory, Oliveira reiterated his proposal to face the BMF champion and lightweight ranked Max Holloway. Both fighters faced each other more than a decade ago, in 2015. Holloway defeated Oliveira in a featherweight bout that had an unusual ending, when Oliveira fell to the ground due to what he later described as an esophageal injury.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 demonstrated his characteristic style. He cornered Gamrot with his usual Muay Thai style, high volume and in a standing position. Gamrot, who replaced Rafael Fiziev with little notice, 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 lightweights exchanged blows until Oliveira managed a bodylock and lifted Gamrot off the ground. Finally, Oliveira took Gamrot’s back and applied the rear-naked 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. Before this victory, Oliveira was already ranked as number 4 in lightweight in the UFC. Gamrot was ranked number 8. Holloway (27-8) is coming off a decision after five rounds against Dustin Poirier in July, after which Holloway said 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
