Oliveira Shines in Rio: Epic Submission against Gamrot in his Triumphant Return

After suffering the toughest knockout of his career less than four months ago, Charles Oliveira made a big comeback in his home country 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 Brazil since 2020, but there appeared to be no after-effects from the defeat.

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

This finish adds to Oliveira’s already impressive legacy. He extended his UFC records for finishes (21) and submissions (17). 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 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 canvas due to what he later described as an esophageal injury.

Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, BMF. Let’s make this happen.

Charles Oliveira

It was a characteristic performance from Oliveira from the start. He pursued 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 position and take Gamrot’s back. The two lightweights exchanged blows in the second round until Oliveira managed a body lock and lifted Gamrot off the ground. Finally, Oliveira took Gamrot’s back and applied the choke. It 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 the UFC’s number 4 lightweight before the victory. Gamrot arrived at number 8. Holloway (27-8) is coming off a five-round decision over Dustin Poirier in July, after which Holloway said he would likely be out for the rest of 2025 due to a right hand injury.