Oliveira Leads Dominant Night for Brazil at UFC Rio

The UFC returned to Rio de Janeiro on Saturday night, where Brazilian fighters delivered a series of statement performances at Farmasi Arena. Former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira headlined the card, submitting Mateusz Gamrot in the second round to tie Mirko Cro Cop’s all-time record for combined finishes across major MMA organizations.

Oliveira locked in a rear-naked choke at 2:48 of Round 2, drawing a thunderous response from the home crowd. “This is for Brazil,” Oliveira said afterward (ESPN). Gamrot accepted the fight on short notice after Rafael Fiziev’s withdrawal, and his coach, Mike Brown, shared his reaction in an Instagram post following the loss.

“I’m truly heartbroken for my friend Mateusz Gamrot, but I always admire his courageousness,” Brown wrote. “In 30 professional fights this was the first time he was ever finished. We win together, we lose together… I still believe he can be champion one day.”

Deiveson Figueiredo edged Montel Jackson by split decision in the co-main event, while Joel Álvarez dominated Vicente Luque in his welterweight debut. Mario Pinto remained unbeaten with a second-round knockout of Jhonata Diniz, and Kaan Ofli earned his first UFC victory by submitting Ricardo Ramos in Round 1.

The prelims continued Brazil’s success, highlighted by Vitor Petrino’s third-round knockout, Bia Mesquita’s second-round submission, and Julia Polastri’s late TKO over Karolina Kowalkiewicz.

UFC Rio showcased a powerful night for Brazilian MMA, capped by Oliveira’s emotional comeback and a card filled with finishes from the country’s next wave of contenders.