Charles Oliveira has officially set a date for his return to the octagon, with a new opponent in sight. The former UFC lightweight champion confirmed he will face Mateusz Gamrot in the main event at UFC Rio on October 11. Oliveira’s announcement followed the withdrawal of his previous opponent, Rafael Fiziev, due to injury, which left a gap in the fight card that needed filling.
Oliveira expressed enthusiasm for the matchup on social media, praising Gamrot for stepping up to the challenge. “Opponent: Mateusz Gamrot,” Oliveira shared. “This is the guy we’re going to battle in a great war. The lion is hungry. I’m full of willpower. We’ll meet on Oct. 11.”
Mateusz Gamrot, a former KSW champion, eagerly accepted the opportunity. He comes into the bout riding the momentum from a successful track record, boasting a 4-1 record in his last five matches. His only defeat in this stretch was a closely contested split decision against Dan Hooker. In his recent performances, Gamrot achieved victories against prominent fighters like Ludovit Klein, Rafael dos Anjos, Rafael Fiziev, and Jalin Turner. After being inactive for nine months, he returned triumphantly in May with a unanimous decision victory over Klein, setting the stage for this significant confrontation against Oliveira.
For Oliveira, this fight is crucial as he aims to bounce back from a surprising knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in June. With a recent record of 3-3, including notable wins against Michael Chandler and Beneil Dariush, Oliveira is determined to regain his momentum and prove his prowess inside the cage.
As both fighters prepare for what promises to be an exhilarating showdown, fans and analysts alike anticipate a high-stakes encounter that could have significant implications for the lightweight division. This matchup not only holds the potential to reshape the fighters’ careers but also to deliver a thrilling spectacle for UFC enthusiasts.