Charles Oliveira defeated Mateusz Gamrot via submission in the main event of UFC Rio, marking his return to Brazil after five years, and called for a fight against Max Holloway for the BMF title. The event featured several other notable fights, including Deiveson Figueiredo's victory and multiple finishes across the card.
Bia Mesquita, an undefeated BJJ champion from Rio de Janeiro, made a dominant UFC debut by submitting Irina Alekseeva with a rear-naked choke in the second round, marking her fifth submission win and improving her record to 6-0, while Alekseeva suffers her third consecutive loss in the UFC.
Saimon Oliveira missed weight by eight pounds at UFC Rio weigh-ins, leading to a catchweight bout with Luan Lacerda and a purse penalty, while other fighters like Charles Oliveira and Deiveson Figueiredo made weight successfully.
Valter Walker's scheduled heavyweight fight at UFC Rio was canceled hours before weigh-ins after Mohammad Usman withdrew, leaving the opponent for Walker, who is known for his submission skills, uncertain.
Charles Oliveira is confident ahead of his UFC Rio main event against Mateusz Gamrot, aiming to finish the fight early and secure a title shot or a BMF belt fight against Max Holloway, who is currently injured. Oliveira sees the fight as a stepping stone to further championship opportunities in a crowded lightweight division.
Charles Oliveira will fight Mateusz Gamrot as the new main event at UFC Rio on October 11 after Rafael Fiziev's injury led to a last-minute opponent change. Gamrot, with a strong recent record, steps in to face Oliveira, who is looking to rebound from a recent knockout loss. The fight is significant for both fighters' careers and the UFC Rio card lineup is still being finalized.
Charles Oliveira criticizes lightweight fighters for refusing to step in as a replacement at UFC Rio after Rafael Fiziev's injury, expressing frustration over fighters avoiding him and calling out their lack of willingness to fight him.
Charles Oliveira criticized UFC fighters for claiming they are willing to fight him at UFC Rio but then backing out when called upon, highlighting a lack of integrity and readiness among potential opponents after Rafael Fiziev's injury withdrawal.
Rafael Fiziev has been removed from the UFC Rio main event due to injury, leaving Charles Oliveira without an opponent for the October 11 fight in Brazil, with the UFC yet to confirm a replacement.
Charles Oliveira is set to fight Rafael Fiziev in the main event of UFC Rio on October 11 in Rio de Janeiro, marking Oliveira's first home country fight since 2020. Oliveira, a former lightweight champion, faces Fiziev, who recently ended a three-fight losing streak. The event also features other bouts including Bia Mesquita's UFC debut and heavyweight matchups.