In a triumphant return to his homeland, Charles Oliveira proved his worth in the octagon, securing an impressive victory in Rio de Janeiro. Oliveira, after less than four months of suffering the toughest knockout of his career, defeated Mateusz Gamrot in the main event of UFC Fight Night. The 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 was returning too soon to headline his first appearance in his home country since 2020, but there seemed to be no lingering effects from the defeat.
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 OliveiraThe finish added more value to Oliveira’s already legendary legacy. 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, just behind Jim Miller’s 27. Immediately after the victory, Oliveira reiterated his proposal to face the BMF champion and ranked lightweight Max Holloway. The two met more than a decade ago, in 2015. Holloway defeated Oliveira in a featherweight bout that had a strange ending, when Oliveira fell to the ground due to what he later described as an esophageal injury.Oliveira’s performance was characteristic from the start. He pursued Gamrot with his high-volume Muay Thai style. Gamrot, who replaced Rafael Fiziev with little 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 achieved a bodylock and lifted Gamrot off the ground. Finally, Oliveira took Gamrot’s back and applied the choke.Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, BMF. Let’s make this happen.
Charles OliveiraThis 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.
Before the victory, Oliveira was already the number 4 lightweight in the UFC rankings. Gamrot was in the number 8 position. Holloway comes from a five-round decision over Dustin Poirier in July, after which Holloway said he would probably miss the rest of 2025 due to a right hand injury.
