Ali Akbar Rosady
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Charles Oliveira, the revered "Do Bronx," made a triumphant return to his home country on Saturday night, securing a decisive submission victory over Mateusz Gamrot in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Rio. The former lightweight champion was met with a hero’s reception inside the Jeunesse Arena, rewarding the fervent Brazilian crowd with a performance that underscored his status as one of the sport’s most dangerous finishers.
The atmosphere was electric as Gamrot, entering hostile territory, jogged to the Octagon under a deafening chorus of "Uh, vai morrer" chants, a Portuguese phrase translating to "Ooh, [you are] going to die," a traditional, albeit aggressive, welcome for foreign fighters in Brazil. Oliveira, meanwhile, was ushered in by a wave of adulation, a testament to his enduring popularity despite having lost his lightweight title just months prior. This marked Oliveira’s first professional fight in Brazil since 2019, two years before he captured the UFC lightweight championship, making his homecoming long overdue and highly anticipated by the local fanbase.
Oliveira (36-11, 1 NC), known for his relentless pressure and unparalleled grappling prowess, fought with an intensity that mirrored the passion of the Brazilian faithful. From the opening bell, he marched down Gamrot, refusing to concede ground or respect the Polish challenger’s wrestling pedigree. Gamrot (23-3, 1 NC), a highly decorated grappler and former KSW two-division champion, initiated a tactical takedown early in the first round, aiming to neutralize Oliveira’s striking and submit-or-be-submitted ground game. However, even on the mat, Gamrot found himself immediately entangled in Oliveira’s notorious "submission web," forcing him to expend significant energy defending against multiple threats rather than advancing his own offensive position.
On the feet, the exchanges were competitive, with Gamrot landing several clean strikes, showcasing his striking improvements and ability to contend in the pocket. Yet, nothing the Pole delivered seemed to deter Oliveira’s forward momentum or diminish his relentless pursuit. The Brazilian consistently pressed the action, forcing Gamrot to fight off his back foot for significant portions of the round. While Gamrot demonstrated resilience and tactical intelligence in avoiding early submission attempts and landing counter shots, the round largely unfolded on Oliveira’s terms, with his aggression and control of the cage setting the tone.
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As the second round commenced, Oliveira’s strategy continued to unfold with precision. Maintaining his characteristic high pace and unyielding pressure, he sought to break Gamrot down physically and mentally. The turning point arrived at 2:48 of the second frame. After a brief stand-up exchange, Oliveira capitalized on an opening, securing a crucial takedown. Once the fight hit the canvas, Oliveira, a record-holder for most submissions in UFC history, quickly transitioned, moving from an advantageous position to secure Gamrot’s back. In a display of his signature jiu-jitsu mastery, he swiftly locked in a rear-naked choke. Gamrot, caught in the vice-like grip, had no option but to tap, signaling the end of the contest and sending the Rio crowd into a frenzy.
The victory was not merely a return to the win column for Oliveira but a deeply emotional moment. "I’m trying to hold back the tears right now," Oliveira stated post-fight through a Portuguese interpreter, 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!" The sentiment resonated profoundly with the audience, who had not seen their champion compete live on home soil in half a decade. Despite no longer holding the undisputed lightweight belt, Oliveira was undeniably received and celebrated like a champion.
With this submission, Oliveira extended his all-time UFC records for most finishes, now standing at an astounding 21, and most submissions, with 17. These statistics cement his legacy as one of the most prolific and dangerous fighters in the history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. His record of 36 wins, 11 losses, and 1 no-contest further solidifies his standing as a seasoned veteran who continues to operate at the elite level of the sport. The win also serves as a crucial rebound for Oliveira, who was coming off a title loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 280, a fight that saw him relinquish the lightweight championship. This dominant performance against a top-ranked contender like Gamrot effectively re-establishes his formidable presence in the crowded lightweight division.
For Mateusz Gamrot, the loss represents a setback in his ascent through the lightweight ranks. The 33-year-old Polish fighter, who entered the bout ranked within the top 10, had previously showcased his elite wrestling and high-volume striking in victories over seasoned competitors such as Arman Tsarukyan and Jeremy Stephens, though he had also experienced recent defeats to top contenders like Beneil Dariush. Despite his efforts to implement his game plan, Gamrot ultimately succumbed to the unique threats posed by Oliveira, highlighting the challenging stylistic matchup. He will likely need to regroup and target a lower-ranked opponent to rebuild momentum in the highly competitive lightweight division.
Looking ahead, Oliveira wasted no time in outlining his next ambition, doubling down on his demand to fight Max Holloway for the BMF (Baddest Motherf***er) title. This call-out carries significant historical weight, as Oliveira and Holloway previously met in 2015, a bout that ended prematurely due to a neck injury sustained by Oliveira. While the BMF title is largely symbolic, having been initially contested between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz, a potential rematch with Holloway, a former featherweight champion and one of the UFC’s most beloved fighters, would undoubtedly generate massive interest. Holloway, currently campaigning in the featherweight division, would represent a significant challenge for Oliveira, promising a compelling clash of styles should the UFC sanction the cross-divisional super-fight.
Should the BMF title fight against Holloway not materialize, other formidable contenders await Oliveira in the lightweight division. Fighters such as Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Beneil Dariush, all of whom are vying for their own shot at the lightweight title currently held by Islam Makhachev, present compelling matchups for "Do Bronx." This victory in Rio not only reignites Oliveira’s title aspirations but also solidifies his position as a perennial contender whose fights are must-watch events, especially when he performs in front of his adoring home crowd. The lightweight division remains one of the UFC’s most talent-rich categories, and Charles Oliveira’s dominant return ensures that the path to the championship will continue to be filled with thrilling encounters.
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