In a demonstration of resilience and talent, Charles Oliveira achieved a triumphant return in his homeland, 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 by Ilia Topuria.
This victory further solidifies Oliveira’s legacy, worthy of the Hall of Fame. 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, just behind Jim Miller’s 27. Immediately after his victory, Oliveira reiterated his proposal to face the BMF champion and ranked lightweight Max Holloway, whom he already faced in 2015. The fight was a display of Oliveira’s characteristic style from the first moment. He walked towards Gamrot with his usual high-volume Muay Thai style. Gamrot, who replaced Rafael Fiziev with little notice, 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 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.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
Before this victory, Oliveira was already ranked as number 4 in the UFC lightweight division. Gamrot was ranked number 8. Holloway (27-8) is coming off a decision after five rounds against Dustin Poirier in July, after which Holloway said he would likely miss the rest of 2025 due to a right hand injury.
