Ali Akbar Rosady
Charles Oliveira, the beloved Brazilian lightweight contender, delivered a performance for the ages on Saturday evening, submitting Mateusz Gamrot in the second round of their UFC Fight Night headliner in Rio de Janeiro. The victory, secured via rear-naked choke at 2:48 of Round 2, marked a triumphant and emotional homecoming for "Do Bronx," who had not competed in front of his compatriots since 2019, two years before he captured the UFC Lightweight Championship.
The atmosphere inside the Jeunesse Arena was electric, a palpable surge of anticipation for Oliveira’s return. Fans, adorned in yellow and green, had transformed the venue into a cauldron of fervent support, chanting his name even before his entrance. For Mateusz Gamrot, a formidable wrestler from Poland, this was an entry into truly hostile territory. As he made his run to the Octagon, a thunderous chorus of "Uh, vai morrer" – a Portuguese chant translating to "Ooh, [you are] going to die" – reverberated through the arena, underscoring the fierce loyalty of the Brazilian faithful. Gamrot, known for his relentless pressure and iron will, acknowledged the intensity but remained composed, a testament to his experience on the international circuit.
Charles Oliveira, a fighter whose career has been defined by his journey from a promising but inconsistent talent to a record-breaking champion, stepped into the cage as a hero, regardless of his current title status. Born in Guarujá, Brazil, Oliveira’s connection to his homeland runs deep, and his fighting style, a blend of aggressive striking and unparalleled jiu-jitsu, perfectly embodies the spirit often associated with Brazilian combat sports. He entered the fight holding the all-time UFC records for most finishes (20) and most submissions (16), statistics he would soon expand. His opponent, Mateusz Gamrot (23-3, 1 NC prior to this fight), represented a significant challenge. Gamrot, a former two-division KSW champion, had carved out a reputation in the UFC as a high-volume striker with an elite wrestling pedigree, boasting wins over top contenders like Arman Tsarukyan and Jeremy Stephens. His last outing, a decision victory over Rafael Fiziev, showcased his ability to grind down opponents and dictate the pace of a fight. This matchup was seen as a crucial test for both men: for Oliveira, a chance to reassert his dominance after losing the lightweight title to Islam Makhachev; for Gamrot, an opportunity to break into the very top tier of the division by defeating a former champion.
From the opening bell, the fight unfolded with the intensity expected of a main event featuring two of the lightweight division’s most aggressive competitors. Oliveira, spurred on by the deafening roar of the crowd, immediately adopted his characteristic forward-marching style. He pressed Gamrot, showing no signs of deference, launching a series of leg kicks and straight punches designed to disrupt the Pole’s rhythm. Gamrot, true to his wrestling background, sought to close the distance early. He initiated a well-timed takedown attempt, driving Oliveira towards the cage. However, attempting to take Oliveira to the ground is a perilous endeavor, akin to wading into a spider’s web for a fly. "Do Bronx," a third-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, immediately began to work his submission defense, threatening with a leg lock attempt from his back that forced Gamrot to disengage and reset on the feet. This early exchange highlighted Oliveira’s grappling prowess, reminding Gamrot of the constant danger that lurked on the mat.
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On the feet, the exchanges were competitive. Gamrot, employing his crisp boxing and lateral movement, landed several clean shots, including a sharp right hand that briefly caught Oliveira’s attention. Yet, nothing Gamrot threw seemed to deter Oliveira’s relentless forward movement. Oliveira continued to stalk, mixing up his strikes with powerful body shots and head kicks, visibly seeking to break down Gamrot’s resolve. The Brazilian’s pressure was constant, forcing Gamrot to continually circle and defend, preventing him from establishing his preferred rhythm. Oliveira’s striking, often underestimated due to his legendary jiu-jitsu, looked sharp and purposeful, a clear indication of his continued evolution as a mixed martial artist. By the end of Round 1, the momentum appeared to be subtly shifting in Oliveira’s favor, largely due to his unyielding aggression and the palpable energy he drew from the partisan crowd.
Round 2 began much like the first, with Oliveira dictating the pace and pressing forward. Gamrot attempted to counter with his wrestling, looking for another opportunity to put Oliveira on his back, but Oliveira’s takedown defense, which has improved significantly over the years, held firm. Approximately midway through the round, Oliveira seized his moment. After a brief striking exchange, he capitalized on an opening, executing a powerful takedown that brought Gamrot to the canvas. This was a critical turning point. Once on the ground, Oliveira wasted no time in transitioning to Gamrot’s back, a position from which he has authored many of his record-breaking submissions. With a body triangle secured and hooks firmly in, Oliveira began to work for the finish. He methodically attacked Gamrot’s neck, sinking in a rear-naked choke. Gamrot, known for his toughness and ability to escape difficult positions, fought valiantly, trying to peel away Oliveira’s hands, but the choke was deep and expertly applied. As Oliveira tightened his grip, Gamrot’s struggles grew less pronounced, and his body went limp, forcing the referee to intervene and stop the contest. The official time of the submission was 2:48 of Round 2.
The arena erupted. The roar was deafening, a cathartic release of emotion from thousands of fans who had waited years for this moment. Oliveira, visibly overcome, rose to his feet, arms outstretched, soaking in the adoration of his people. Post-fight, an emotional Oliveira struggled to hold back tears as he addressed the crowd through a Portuguese interpreter. "I’m trying to hold back the tears right now," he confessed, his voice thick with emotion. "This is all for you guys, right now. This is not about money, fame, or status. Screw it. It’s for Brazil!" His words resonated deeply, solidifying his status not just as a fighter, but as a national icon.
This submission victory not only provided a thrilling conclusion to the UFC Fight Night but also added two more entries to Oliveira’s already legendary statistical records. He extended his all-time UFC records for most finishes to 21 and most submissions to 17, further cementing his legacy as one of the most prolific finishers in the sport’s history. His overall professional record now stands at 36-11 with 1 No Contest, a testament to his longevity and consistent evolution.
Looking ahead, Oliveira wasted no time in signaling his next ambition. In his post-fight interview, he doubled down on a previous demand, calling out Max Holloway for a fight for the BMF ("Baddest Motherf***er") title. The BMF title, a ceremonial belt introduced in 2019, is typically contested by fan-favorite fighters known for their exciting, aggressive styles. Holloway, a former UFC Featherweight Champion and one of the sport’s most dynamic strikers, has expressed interest in a move back to lightweight, and a clash between two such beloved and action-oriented fighters would undoubtedly be a blockbuster event. While the BMF title is not a championship in the traditional sense, it carries significant prestige and fan appeal, promising a high-profile matchup that could further elevate Oliveira’s global presence.
For Mateusz Gamrot, the loss to Oliveira is a setback against a bona fide legend of the sport. Despite the defeat, Gamrot showcased his resilience and skill, reinforcing his position as a dangerous contender within the stacked lightweight division. At 23-4 (1 NC), his record remains impressive, and his performances continue to demonstrate his potential for future title contention. He will likely look to rebound against another top-ranked opponent, continuing his climb in one of the UFC’s most competitive weight classes.
Charles Oliveira’s triumphant return to Brazil was more than just a fight; it was a celebration of resilience, passion, and the unbreakable bond between a fighter and his homeland. The victory over Mateusz Gamrot not only re-established Oliveira at the pinnacle of the lightweight division but also reminded the world of the emotional power of sport and the enduring legacy of "Do Bronx." The lightweight division, already one of the most exciting in the UFC, now watches keenly to see if Oliveira’s call for the BMF title against Max Holloway will materialize, setting the stage for yet another unforgettable chapter in his remarkable career.
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