Charles Oliveira made a strong comeback at UFC Rio on Saturday night, securing a victory over Mateusz Gamrot with a submission in just the second round. This win extends Oliveira’s impressive 18-0 streak in Brazil and marks a return to form just 105 days after his knockout loss to Ilia Topuria for the UFC lightweight title.
From the start, Oliveira applied pressure. He landed powerful teep kicks to Gamrot’s midsection. Although Gamrot attempted to take him down, Oliveira managed to threaten with his grappling skills. Ultimately, Oliveira took control in the second round, securing a face crank that ended the fight.
After his victory, Oliveira expressed deep gratitude to his fans. “This is all for you guys,” he said, emphasizing that for him, this fight was about more than just fame or money—it was about pride for Brazil. He also called for a rematch against Max Holloway for the BMF (Baddest Motherf*****) title, something that thrilled fans.
Holloway wasted no time responding to Oliveira’s challenge. Despite recovering from a hand injury, he showed interest in the match, recalling their unfinished business from their first encounter in 2015, which ended in a quick stoppage due to Oliveira’s injury.
Gamrot, who stepped in on short notice to replace Rafael Fiziev, faced the first submission loss of his career. He now has four wins and two losses in his last six fights.
In the co-main event, former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo defeated Montel Jackson by split decision, ending his own losing streak and putting an end to Jackson’s six-fight win streak.
Throughout the night, Brazilian fighters excelled, with eight out of twelve competitors claiming victory. Notably, Oliveira and several others earned $50,000 Performance of the Night bonuses. Oliveira’s latest win adds to his record for the most performance bonuses in UFC history, now totaling 21.
In a world where fighters increasingly seek fame and wealth, Oliveira’s heartfelt tribute to his fans resonates. It reminds everyone that for many athletes, the thrill of competition and the support of their hometown is what truly drives them.
For those interested in diving deeper into the world of UFC, it’s fascinating to look at how Oliveira’s journey reflects larger trends in MMA. As fighters increasingly rely on personal branding and social media to connect with fans, the spirit of competition remains an integral part of their story.
For complete results and highlights from UFC Rio, fans can check out Yahoo Sports for detailed coverage and updates.
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Charles Oliveira, Mateusz Gamrot, UFC, Max Holloway, UFC Rio, Ed Mulholland, Saimon Oliveira, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, submission