Charles Oliveira returns to action at UFC Rio this Saturday, facing Mateusz Gamrot in a highly anticipated main event showdown. The former lightweight champion last fought at UFC 317, where he suffered a devastating knockout loss to Ilia Topuria. With just four months separating his brutal defeat and comeback, fans question whether Oliveira has recovered enough to compete at his peak.

Charles Oliveira vs. Mateusz Gamrot

Originally, Charles Oliveira was set to face Rafael Fiziev, but the Azerbaijani fighter withdrew from the bout after suffering an injury. After Fiziev’s exit, Oliveira slammed the entire lightweight division for not stepping up to face him until Mateusz Gamrot accepted. Oliveira reportedly was reluctant about the late opponent change, moving from a striking-based matchup to facing a dominant wrestler.

However, the fight was finalized, and for Gamrot, it stands as a lifetime opportunity to earn a massive rankings boost. In his previous outing, the Polish fighter secured victory against Ludovit Klein and aims to continue that same winning momentum in Rio.

Gamrot, renowned for his wrestling dominance, has long been training intensely at the prestigious American Top Team gym. He recently revealed that he practically lives in the gym, sacrificing family time entirely to stay committed throughout this training camp.

Charles Oliveira’s comeback 

Despite the ongoing criticism surrounding Charles Oliveira’s decision to return without taking a long break, the Brazilian remains completely unconcerned. Oliveira confidently stated that he fully intends to keep his undefeated record in Brazil intact when he competes at UFC Rio. The former champion received an enormous welcome from passionate Brazilian fans upon arriving for the open workout before the event.

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At the age of 35, Oliveira has shut down all claims of retirement and is looking past the upcoming fight. “I don’t know if I’m fighting bad or if you guys want me to retire. I don’t know what’s happening. Every interview I give, people talk ‘retirement, retirement.’ At no point have I ever thought or contemplated about that,” said Oliveira. 

The Brazilian fighter has expressed interest in potentially facing his former opponent, Max Holloway, next for the iconic BMF title. Additionally, Oliveira revealed his strong desire to fight global superstar Conor McGregor at the much-anticipated upcoming White House event. However, before any of those dream matchups can happen, he must first overcome Mateusz Gamrot, a dangerous opponent this weekend.

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