Charles Oliveira Returns Triumphant in Rio de Janeiro
In a spectacular return, Charles Oliveira demonstrated his worth in Rio de Janeiro, just four months after suffering the toughest knockout loss 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 against Ilia Topuria. Many in the sports world wondered if Oliveira had returned too soon to headline his first appearance in his home country, Brazil, since 2020, but there appeared to be no after-effects from the defeat.The finish expanded Oliveira’s legacy, worthy of the Hall of Fame. It extended his UFC records in finishes (21) and submissions (17). In addition, he tied with 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 lightweight ranked Max Holloway. The two met more than a decade ago, in 2015. “Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, BMF,” Oliveira said. “Let’s make this happen.” The fight was a characteristic performance by Oliveira from the start. He pressured Gamrot with his high-volume Muay Thai style. Gamrot, who entered on short notice in place of the injured 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. The two lightweights exchanged blows in the second round until Oliveira managed a body lock 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 this victory, Oliveira was already ranked number 4 in UFC lightweight. 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 miss the rest of 2025 due to a right hand injury.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
