After suffering the toughest knockout of his career less than four months ago, Charles Oliveira starred in a triumphant return in Rio de Janeiro. 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 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 would return too soon to his native country, Brazil, to headline his first appearance since 2020, but there seemed to be no after-effects from the defeat.
This victory enriches Oliveira’s already impressive legacy, extending his UFC records in finishes (21) and submissions (17). In addition, he tied Neil Magny for the most wins in UFC history with 24, just behind 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 faced more than a decade ago, in 2015. Holloway defeated Oliveira in a featherweight bout that had an unusual ending, as 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 is not about money, fame, or status. This is for Brazil.
Charles Oliveira
The fight was a characteristic display by Oliveira from the first second. He pressured Gamrot with his high-volume Muay Thai style. Gamrot, who entered the fight with little preparation time in place 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 secured a bodylock and lifted Gamrot off the ground. Finally, Oliveira took Gamrot’s back and applied the rear-naked choke. It was a moment Oliveira had 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.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 be out for the rest of 2025 due to a right hand injury.
