After suffering the worst knockout of his career less than four months ago, Charles Oliveira returned to his home country with a resounding victory in Rio de Janeiro. 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 at the Farmasi Arena. This victory came just 105 days after Oliveira was knocked out in a lightweight title fight against 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.
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 Neil Magny for the most wins in UFC history, with 24, surpassed only by Jim Miller’s 27. Immediately after the victory, Oliveira reiterated his proposal to face the BMF champion and ranked lightweight Max Holloway. Both fighters met more than a decade ago, in 2015, where Holloway defeated Oliveira in a featherweight fight that had an unusual ending.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 Oliveira demonstration from the start. He walked towards Gamrot with his usual high-volume Muay Thai style. 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 body lock and lifted Gamrot off the ground. Finally, Oliveira took Gamrot’s back and applied 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. Before the victory, Oliveira was already the UFC’s number 4 lightweight. Gamrot held the number 8 spot. 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.Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, BMF. Let’s make this happen.
Charles Oliveira
