Charles Oliveira vs. Rafael Fiziev to Headline UFC Fight Night 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 11th in Rio de Janeiro.
The fight, announced by UFC officials, will be five rounds and will headline the UFC Fight Night at the Farmasi Arena. 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 UFC 317 title. Despite the loss, this is an opportunity for Oliveira to fight at home.
Born in the Brazilian favelas, Oliveira has not fought in his country since March 2020. The 2020 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 track in his career. After showing great potential in the UFC, he suffered a three-fight losing streak, 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.
