In a triumphant return to his homeland, the outstanding fighter Charles Oliveira demonstrated his resilience and skill in the octagon, securing an impressive victory in Rio de Janeiro. After less than four months of suffering the most severe knockout of his career, Oliveira submitted Mateusz Gamrot 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 triumph came just 105 days after Oliveira was knocked out in a lightweight title fight against Ilia Topuria. There was concern in the sports world about how quickly Oliveira was returning to headline his first appearance in Brazil since 2020, but there seemed to be no after-effects from the defeat.
This result further elevates Oliveira’s already impressive legacy. 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 lightweight ranked 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 is not about money, fame, or status. This is for Brazil.
Charles Oliveira
The fight was a display of Oliveira’s characteristic style from the start. He pursued Gamrot with his usual high-volume Muay Thai style. Gamrot, who entered on short notice 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 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. Before the victory, Oliveira was already ranked as the number 4 lightweight in the UFC. Gamrot was ranked number 8. Holloway is coming off a five-round 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.Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, BMF. Let’s make this happen.
Charles Oliveira
