Charles Oliveira Set to Fight Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Rio

Charles Oliveira has a new opponent for UFC Rio after a dramatic change to the event’s main card. Originally scheduled to face Rafael Fiziev, Oliveira will now meet Mateusz Gamrot in the headline bout after Fiziev withdrew due to injury. The lightweight clash is set for October 11, 2025, at the Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with Oliveira competing in front of his home fans.

This change adds a new level of intrigue to an already highly anticipated event. Oliveira, one of the most accomplished lightweights in UFC history, will now face a completely different stylistic challenge in Gamrot, who brings a relentless grappling attack and high-paced striking to the octagon.

Stakes and Redemption

For Oliveira, this fight represents a chance at redemption. In June, he suffered a devastating first-round knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in a vacant lightweight title fight. That defeat was a tough setback for the former champion, who had been on the brink of reclaiming the belt.

Fighting in Brazil adds both motivation and pressure. Oliveira will be fueled by the energy of his home crowd, but he also faces massive expectations to deliver. A victory would keep him firmly in the title conversation, while a loss could raise serious questions about his future in the division.

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Gamrot’s Big Opportunity

Mateusz Gamrot quickly stepped up when the opportunity arose, making it clear that he wanted to be part of this main event. The Polish lightweight has been in impressive form, winning four of his last five fights, including victories over Rafael dos Anjos and Ludovit Klein. His only recent defeat was a close split decision to Dan Hooker.

With a professional record of 25-3, Gamrot is respected as one of the division’s most dangerous and versatile fighters. This fight against Oliveira represents the biggest stage of his career. A win over a former champion, especially on hostile territory in Brazil, could catapult him into the upper tier of the lightweight rankings and potentially set up a future title shot.