UFC Rio certainly pleased Brazilian fans with a stunning night of action at the Farmasi Arena.
There were plenty of knockouts and submissions showcased throughout the event, some more unpredictable than others.
The main focus of this fight card was the main event between Lightweight contenders, Charles Oliveira and Mateusz Gamrot.
Oliveira was looking for redemption after a horrible knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in his last bout, while Gamrot stepped into this battle on two weeks notice, hoping to rise up the rankings.
The headliner lasted two rounds as ‘Do Bronxs’ looked threatening with his submissions and striking skills, especially after the Polish fighter attempted a takedown.
The #4 contender came close to submitting ‘Gamer’ with an Armbar in the first round, but Gamrot defended well and returned to safety before preparing for the second round.
The former UFC Lightweight Champion continued to strive when he landed a takedown before taking the back of the #8 contender.
Oliveira eventually locked in a Rear-Naked Choke which gave Gamrot no choice but to tap as the Brazilian jumped out the Octagon to celebrate with his friends and family in the crowd.
Oliveira to fight for the BMF title next?
After claiming redemption in front of his home fans, it left many of the MMA community questioning what’s next for Do Bronxs since it seems unlikely that he will get another shot for the undisputed title.
In his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping, Oliveira decided to call out Max Holloway for a future BMF title fight, something which is only bound to happen.
The Guaruja-born mixed martial artist extended his record for most finishes, submissions, and fight bonuses in UFC history after his submission win in Rio.
This certainly gives the 35-year-old an incredibly valid reason why he should compete for the BMF belt next.
Holloway has previously fought Oliveira before which happened at Featherweight in August 2015.
‘Blessed’ defeated the Brazilian by first-round TKO in Saskatchewan, unknowing that 10 years later a rematch would be expected.
Holloway last defended the BMF title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 318, winning by unanimous decision.
The former Featherweight Champion and the recently retired UFC fighter expressed their thoughts on X after the callout, believing it would be a great matchup to make.
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