After suffering the toughest knockout of his career less than four months ago, Charles Oliveira made a big comeback in his country, Brazil, on Saturday 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 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 home country since 2020, but there appeared to be no lingering effects from the loss.
This triumph expands 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’s 27. Immediately after the victory, Oliveira reiterated his proposal to face the BMF champion and ranked lightweight Max Holloway, a fight that dates back to 2015. It was a characteristic performance from Oliveira from the start. He pursued Gamrot with his 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 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. Oliveira finally took Gamrot’s back and applied the submission. Oliveira was already the number 4 lightweight in the UFC rankings before the victory. 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
