In a triumphant return and with a demonstration of power, Charles Oliveira secured his victory in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, just four months after suffering the most painful knockout of his career. Oliveira (36-11) submitted Mateusz Gamrot (25-4) via 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 sport feared that Oliveira had returned too soon to headline his first appearance in his home country since 2020, but there seemed to be no after-effects of the 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 Neil Magny for the most wins in UFC history, with 24, surpassed only by Jim Miller, who has 27. Immediately after the victory, Oliveira reiterated his proposal to face the BMF champion and ranked lightweight Max Holloway, whom he faced more than a decade ago, in 2015.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 display of Oliveira’s trademark from the start. He advanced on Gamrot with his high-volume Muay Thai style. Gamrot, who replaced Rafael Fiziev with little anticipation, 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 lock and lifted Gamrot off the ground. Finally, Oliveira took Gamrot’s back and applied the choke. This victory represented a moment awaited by Oliveira 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
Before this victory, Oliveira was already ranked number 4 in the UFC lightweight rankings, while Gamrot was number 8. Holloway, for his part, is coming off a decision victory over Dustin Poirier in July, after which he announced that he would probably take the rest of 2025 off due to a right hand injury.
