RIO DE JANEIRO — Former UFC lightweight champion Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira says he’s feeling perfectly fine and fully motivated to return to action at UFC Rio, just months after suffering the most brutal loss of his career.
Oliveira was stopped in the first round by Ilia Topuria on June 28 while attempting to reclaim the lightweight title. Just six weeks later, the UFC announced he’d headline UFC Rio on October 11 — first against Rafael Fiziev, and now against Mateusz Gamrot, after Fiziev withdrew due to injury.
While some fans and fighters questioned whether the turnaround was too fast, Oliveira insists he’s in great condition.
“I went back to sparring and I’m training normal,” Oliveira told MMA Fighting. “I don’t feel any headache, I don’t feel anything. I’m fine, I’m happy. What matters the most is you being happy.”
Oliveira Wanted to Fight in Rio No Matter What
The Brazilian star made it clear that fighting in front of his home fans was a personal mission — one he couldn’t delay.
“I started by saying I didn’t want any fight other than in Rio,” Oliveira said. “I wanted to fight in front of my flag, in front of my crowd. I had to do this fight.”
Originally hoping for a rematch with Max Holloway, Oliveira said Holloway’s injury pushed him to accept a quicker return.
“I would have to wait for him until next year, and I wanted to fight soon,” he explained. “For all the love I’ve received from the Brazilian people, I said, ‘Man, I wanna fight in Rio.’”
A Special Homecoming for ‘Do Bronx’
Oliveira, who hasn’t fought in Brazil for five years, said returning home means everything to him. Despite fighting mostly on major pay-per-view cards, he was happy to headline a Fight Night in Rio — tickets for which sold out almost immediately.
“To be fighting in front of your flag, in front of your people and your family, that definitely pushes you forward,” Oliveira said. “This is a completely different Charles now — in terms of media, fanbase, and emotion.”
The lightweight veteran expects an emotional atmosphere at Farmasi Arena, with over 15,000 fans cheering him on. Among them will be his parents, Francisco and Ozana, though they’ll follow their usual tradition — watching his walkout, then praying through the fight.
“They never watch my fights,” Oliveira shared. “They only watch my walkout and then get on their knees and pray to God. I’m sure it won’t be different this time.”
Oliveira’s Mindset for UFC Rio
With an emotional homecoming ahead, Oliveira says his focus is sharp and his confidence is high.
“I’m fine, I’m training hard, and I’m happy,” he said. “When I walk out in Rio and hear the crowd, that’s going to be crazy. It’s all going down.”
UFC Rio takes place October 11 at Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, headlined by Charles Oliveira vs. Mateusz Gamrot.
Stay tuned to AthleticFeed.com for full UFC Rio coverage, post-fight results, and exclusive fighter reactions.