Charles Oliveira demonstrated his resilience and talent in the octagon by securing a resounding victory in his return home in Rio de Janeiro, less than four months after suffering the toughest knockout of his career.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 questioned whether Oliveira was returning too soon to headline his first appearance in Brazil since 2020, but the Brazilian fighter dispelled any doubts.
This victory enriches Oliveira’s already impressive legacy. The Brazilian expanded his records for finishes (21) and submissions (17) in the UFC. In addition, he tied with Neil Magny on the list of most victories in UFC history, with a total of 24, surpassed only by Jim Miller, who has 27.Immediately after his triumph, Oliveira reiterated his proposal to face the BMF champion and ranked lightweight, Max Holloway, whom he already faced in 2015.I’m trying to hold back the tears right now. This is for you, the Brazilian fans. This is not for money, fame, or status. This is for Brazil.
Charles Oliveira
From the start, Oliveira imposed his characteristic style. With his upright posture and volume of strikes, he pressured Gamrot. Gamrot, who entered the fight with little preparation time in replacement of Rafael Fiziev, managed a takedown in the first half of the first round, but Oliveira employed the threat of an omoplata to reverse the position and take his opponent’s back.In the second round, both fighters exchanged blows until Oliveira secured a bodylock and lifted Gamrot off the ground. Finally, Oliveira took Gamrot’s back and applied the choke.Oliveira, who was already number 4 in the UFC lightweight rankings before this victory, faced Gamrot, ranked number 8. Holloway (27-8) is coming off a decision after five rounds against Dustin Poirier in July, after which he stated that he would probably take the rest of 2025 off due to a right hand injury.Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, BMF. Let’s make this happen.
Charles Oliveira
