There’s a reason why “Do Bronx” wanted to fight in Brazil.
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight champion Charles Oliveira returns home this weekend (Sat., Oct. 11, 2025) when he faces No. 8-ranked Mateusz Gamrot in the main event of UFC Rio inside Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Oliveira hasn’t competed on home soil since March 2020, when he submitted Kevin Lee right as the world shut down due to COVID-19 (watch it). Now, more than five years later, he’s finally getting that moment back — with fans.
And judging by the reception during his open workout, it’s easy to see why he wanted it so badly. As Oliveira made his way to the stage, the crowd erupted — chanting his name, waving flags, and showering him with love.
Watch the reaction below:
His longtime coach captured the emotion perfectly on social media.
“This is the reason why Charles wanted, asked for, and is fighting in Brazil. It is for this affection, for this love that everyone has for him and you can be sure that he has for everyone, and exactly for that, he wanted to live this wonderful moment next to everyone, From our nation, from the Brazilian nation!!!
One for all and all for one!!”
One thing’s for certain — the Brazilian crowd will be electric this weekend as they watch their hometown hero, “Do Bronx,” step back into the Octagon in front of his people.
Remember that MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC Rio fight card, starting with the ESPN+ “Prelims” matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. ET, before the main card start time at 7 p.m. ET (also on ESPN+).
To checkout the latest and greatest UFC Rio: “Oliveira vs. Gamrot” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.
