Charles Oliveira, after suffering the hardest knockout of his career, achieved 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. This victory came just 105 days after Oliveira was knocked out by Ilia Topuria in a lightweight title fight. Many in the sport feared that Oliveira would rush back to his home country, Brazil, but there seemed to be no after-effects of the defeat.
This victory 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’s 27. Immediately after the victory, Oliveira reiterated his proposal to face the BMF champion and ranked lightweight Max Holloway. Both faced each other more than a decade ago, in 2015, with Holloway taking the victory.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 performance from Oliveira from the start. He pressured Gamrot with his 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 position and take Gamrot’s back. In the second round, both fighters exchanged blows until Oliveira achieved a bodylock and lifted Gamrot off the ground. Finally, Oliveira took Gamrot’s back and applied the chokehold. This was a moment that Oliveira had essentially been waiting for since March 2020, when he headlined an event in Brazil in an empty arena 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. Oliveira was already the number 4 lightweight in the UFC rankings before the victory. Gamrot was ranked number 8. 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
