In a triumphant return to his country, Charles Oliveira proved his worth in Rio de Janeiro, just four months after suffering the toughest knockout of his career. 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. Many in the sports world feared that Oliveira would return too soon to headline his first appearance in Brazil since 2020, but there seemed to be no after-effects from the defeat.
This triumph further solidifies Oliveira’s legacy, worthy of a place in 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, behind only 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 already faced 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 characteristic skill from the first moment. Gamrot, who replaced Rafael Fiziev with little anticipation, tried to take Oliveira to the ground in 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 rear-naked choke. This moment was something 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. 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 as number 4 in UFC lightweight. Gamrot was ranked number 8. Holloway (27-8) is coming off a decision after five rounds against Dustin Poirier in July, after which Holloway announced that he would likely take the rest of 2025 off due to a right hand injury.
