Charles Oliveira, after suffering the most painful knockout of his career less than four months ago, returned home through the front door 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 the Farmasi Arena. This victory came just 105 days after Oliveira was knocked out in a lightweight title fight against Ilia Topuria. Many in the sports world feared that Oliveira was rushing back, but there appeared to be no after-effects from the loss.
This triumph magnifies Oliveira’s legacy, worthy of the Hall of Fame. He expanded his UFC records for finishes (21) and submissions (17). In addition, he tied with Neil Magny at the top of the UFC wins list with 24, only behind Jim Miller, who has 27. Immediately after the victory, Oliveira reiterated his proposal to face BMF champion and lightweight contender Max Holloway. Both faced each other more than a decade ago, in 2015, with Holloway taking the victory 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
The fight was a characteristic demonstration by 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 part 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. Finally, Oliveira took Gamrot’s back and applied the chokehold. This was a moment 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. 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 this victory, Oliveira was already number 4 in the UFC lightweight ranking. Gamrot was in the number 8 position. Holloway (27-8) comes from a decision over Dustin Poirier in July, after which Holloway announced that he would probably take the rest of 2025 off due to a right hand injury.
