UFC Fight Night Rio: Oliveira vs Gamrot after Fiziev knee injury

The UFC returns to Rio de Janeiro on October 11 with a homecoming headlined by former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, who will face Mateusz Gamrot after original opponent Rafael Fiziev withdrew with a knee injury. The main event at UFC Fight Night in Rio marks Oliveira's first headline in his home country since May 2024 and the promotion's first Fight Night in the city since 2015.

Oliveira, 35, is coming off a first-round knockout loss to current champion Ilia Topuria and will be fighting 105 days after that defeat. He remains one of the most prolific finishers in UFC history, holding the record for career finishes and the most submission victories in the promotion. Gamrot, a Polish lightweight ranked in the top 10, agreed to step in on short notice and arrives with four wins in his last five outings. A victory for Gamrot would likely vault him closer to title contention; a win for Oliveira would be seen as a necessary step to revive his bid to reclaim the 155-pound crown.

The change in opponent also alters the stylistic matchup. Oliveira is best known for his submission offense and finishing ability, while Gamrot is a well-rounded grappler and wrestler who has beaten...