In a triumphant return to his homeland, the outstanding fighter Charles Oliveira demonstrated his worth in the octagon, securing an impressive victory in Rio de Janeiro. After less than four months of suffering the toughest defeat of his career, Oliveira submitted Mateusz Gamrot with a 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 sports world wondered if Oliveira had returned too soon to headline his first appearance in his home country since 2020, but there seemed to be no after-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 OliveiraThis achievement further enriches Oliveira’s legacy, already worthy of the Hall of Fame. He extended his UFC records for finishes (21) and submissions (17). In addition, he tied with Neil Magny for the most wins in UFC history with 24, surpassed only by Jim Miller, who has 27. Immediately after his victory, Oliveira reiterated his proposal to face the BMF champion and ranked lightweight Max Holloway, a match dating back to 2015.The fight was characterized by Oliveira’s style from the start. He advanced on Gamrot with his characteristic high-volume Muay Thai style. Gamrot, who entered the event with little anticipation replacing Rafael Fiziev, 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. Finally, Oliveira took Gamrot’s back and applied the choke. It 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 ranked as the number 4 lightweight in the UFC. Gamrot was ranked number 8. Holloway is coming off a five-round decision over Dustin Poirier in July, after which Holloway said he would likely miss the rest of 2025 due to a right hand injury.Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, BMF. Let’s make this happen.
Charles Oliveira
