Charles Oliveira, after suffering the worst knockout of his career less than four months ago, secured a triumphant return 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 Farmasi Arena. The 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, Brazil, since 2020, but there appeared to be no lingering effects from the defeat.
This triumph enriches Oliveira’s legacy, worthy of the Hall of Fame. 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, surpassed only by Jim Miller (27). Immediately after the victory, Oliveira reiterated his proposal to face the BMF champion and lightweight ranked Max Holloway. Both faced each other more than a decade ago, in 2015, where Holloway defeated Oliveira in a featherweight bout.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
It was a characteristic performance from Oliveira from the start. He pressured Gamrot with his usual high-volume Muay Thai style. Gamrot, who replaced Rafael Fiziev on short 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 grip and lifted Gamrot off the ground. Oliveira finally 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.Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, BMF. Let’s make this happen.
Charles Oliveira
Before the victory, Oliveira was already the UFC’s number 4 lightweight. Gamrot was in the number 8 position. Holloway (27-8) comes from a five-round decision over Dustin Poirier in July, after which Holloway said he would probably be absent for the rest of 2025 due to a right hand injury.
