Charles Oliveira Returns to Brazil to Face Rafael Fiziev in Rio de Janeiro
UFC’s former lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira, will fight again in Brazil after more than five years. He will face Rafael Fiziev on October 11 in Rio de Janeiro.
The fight, announced by the UFC, will take place at the Farmasi Arena and will be the main event of UFC Fight Night. This event will mark the return of the UFC to Rio de Janeiro since May 2024.
Oliveira, 35, comes to this fight after a knockout loss in the first round against Ilia Topuria in June, in the fight for the vacant title at UFC 317. This will be a quick comeback for Oliveira, but it’s a significant opportunity to fight in his country.
Oliveira, born in the Brazilian favelas, hasn’t fought at home since March 2020. The event was held behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The last time Oliveira fought in front of a Brazilian crowd was in November 2019.
Fiziev, 32, will seek to get back on the road to success in his career. Despite showing great potential in the UFC, he has gone through a streak of three losses, including two against former interim champion Justin Gaethje. In June, he achieved a decision victory against Ignacio Bahamondes.
Oliveira and Fiziev are ranked number 4 and 10, respectively, in the UFC lightweight rankings.
