After suffering the toughest knockout of his career less than four months ago, Charles Oliveira made a big comeback in his home country, Brazil, this Saturday in Rio de Janeiro. Oliveira (36-11) submitted Mateusz Gamrot (25-4) with a rear-naked choke at 2 minutes and 48 seconds of the second round, in the main event of the 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 feared that Oliveira was returning too soon to headline his first appearance in his country since 2020, but there seemed to be no after-effects from the defeat.
This victory magnifies Oliveira’s already impressive 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, only behind Jim Miller’s 27. Immediately after the victory, Oliveira reiterated his proposal to face the BMF champion and ranked lightweight Max Holloway, a match dating back to 2015. Holloway defeated Oliveira in a featherweight bout that had an unusual ending, when Oliveira fell to the ground due to what he later described as an esophageal 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
The fight was a characteristic display from Oliveira from the first second. He pressured Gamrot with his Muay Thai style, high volume and high guard. Gamrot, who entered the event with little preparation time in substitution of 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 lock and lifted Gamrot off the ground. Finally, Oliveira took Gamrot’s back and applied the choke. It was a moment that Oliveira had been waiting for essentially 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 ranked as number 4 in UFC lightweight. Gamrot was ranked number 8. Holloway (27-8) is coming off a points decision over Dustin Poirier in July, after which Holloway said he would likely take the rest of 2025 off due to a right hand injury.
