In a triumphant return that left everyone speechless, Charles Oliveira demonstrated his resilience and talent in the octagon, just four months after suffering the toughest knockout of his career.
Resounding Victory in Rio de Janeiro
Oliveira (36-11) submitted Mateusz Gamrot (25-4) with a rear naked choke at 2 minutes and 48 seconds of the second round in the main event of UFC Fight Night held 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 sports world feared that Oliveira would return too soon to his native country, Brazil, to headline his first appearance since 2020, but there seemed to be no after-effects from that defeat.This triumph further solidifies Oliveira’s legacy, worthy of the Hall of Fame. He extended his UFC records for finishes (21) and submissions (17). In addition, he tied with Neil Magny on the UFC wins list with 24, only behind Jim Miller, who has 27.Immediately after his victory, Oliveira reiterated his proposal to face the BMF champion and ranked lightweight Max Holloway, a fight that dates back to 2015.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
The fight was a display of Oliveira’s characteristic style from the first second. He pressured Gamrot with his usual high-volume Muay Thai style. Gamrot, who replaced Rafael Fiziev with little notice, managed to take 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 that 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. Although he won the UFC championship in 2021, he never had the opportunity to defend his belt in Brazil.Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, BMF. Let’s make this happen.
Charles Oliveira
