UPDATE: In a major shake-up for UFC Fight Night, former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira is set to face Mateusz Gamrot after Rafael Fiziev withdrew due to injury. This highly anticipated matchup will take place on October 11, 2023, at the Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, marking Oliveira’s first fight in Brazil since March 2020.
The announcement came just hours ago, creating a buzz in the MMA community as fans eagerly await this clash of top contenders. Oliveira (35-11), currently ranked No. 4 in the UFC lightweight division, is looking to rebound after a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in July for the vacant title. Meanwhile, Gamrot (25-3), holding the No. 8 spot, is coming off a strong performance, with a 4-1 record in his last five fights, his only loss being to ranked contender Dan Hooker in August 2024.
Gamrot had been calling for a fight against Oliveira on short notice, and UFC officials quickly made the adjustment after Fiziev’s injury last week. The UFC considered several alternatives before settling on Gamrot, who boasts notable victories over fighters like Rafael dos Anjos and Arman Tsarukyan.
This matchup promises to be a significant event, not just for the fighters but also for the Brazilian fans who have missed seeing Oliveira compete on home soil. The stakes are high as both fighters aim for a pivotal win that could pave the way for a title shot.
As the fight approaches, expect to see heightened fan engagement and discussions surrounding this exciting pairing. The MMA world is ready, and all eyes will be on Rio on October 11. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to this thrilling event!
