Highlights
- UFC returns to Rio de Janeiro, Brazilfor Fight Night 261: Oliveira vs. Gamrot
- List of power rankings for every fight on the card, based on entertainment value and competitive stakes.
- Many fights feature Brazilian talent to cater to the home crowd and create an exciting atmosphere.
The UFC makes its highly anticipated return to Rio de Janeiro with UFC Fight Night 261, featuring a compelling lightweight main event between Brazilian favorite Charles "Do Bronx" Oliveira and Polish contender Mateusz Gamrot. This stacked card promises fireworks from top to bottom, but only a number have the potential to be exciting.
The power rankings reflect not just competitive importance but entertainment value, with the top bouts featuring stylistic clashes. Here are the power rankings of every bout on this weekend’s card based on competitive intrigue, stylistic drama, and finish probability.
Note: Mohammed Usman vs. Valter Walker has been scrapped due to Usman testing positive for elevated testosterone levels.
Must-See Main Card Matchups
#1 Main Event: Charles Oliveira vs. Mateusz Gamrot – Lightweight
This main event showdown tops the list due to its high stakes and fascinating stylistic clash. Oliveira, the former champion and UFC submission record holder, looks to rebound after his title fight loss. He faces Gamrot, who stepped in on just 10 days' notice after Rafael Fiziev withdrew due to a knee injury. The matchup pits Oliveira's explosive finishing ability against Gamrot's relentless wrestling and pressure. With Oliveira holding a record-breaking 16 submission victories and both fighters known for pushing the pace, this five-round main event has all the ingredients for an instant classic.
#2 Vicente Luque vs. Joel Álvarez – Welterweight
This welterweight clash earns the second spot due to its explosive potential and compelling narratives. Luque, a Brazilian fan favorite known for thrilling battles, faces concerns about his durability since returning from a brain hemorrhage. He meets Álvarez, who moves up to welterweight on short notice and brings a massive frame with devastating finishing ability. Álvarez has secured 17 submission victories and knockout power in his strikes, making this a dangerous matchup for Luque. With both men preferring finishes over decisions, this bout promises high-voltage action.
#3 Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Montel Jackson – Bantamweight
The bantamweight co-main event between former flyweight champion Figueiredo and rising contender Jackson takes third place. Figueiredo aims to rebound from consecutive losses, while Jackson rides a six-fight winning streak into this pivotal matchup. The stylistic contrast is intriguing, as Jackson utilizes his significant height and reach advantage with technical boxing, while Figueiredo relies on power and veteran craft. Not only will this fight be interesting from a stylistic point of view, it also has serious ranking implications for the division.
Solid Main Card Fights
#4 Lucas Almeida vs. Michael Aswell – Featherweight
This bout opens up the main card and features two featherweights with solid action potential. While lacking the name recognition of preceding bouts, both fighters have shown exciting styles in previous appearances. At no. 4, this bout is a competitive matchup that should provide entertainment, even without the stakes of higher-ranked bouts.
#5 Jhonata Diniz vs. Mário Pinto – Heavyweight
Heavyweight clashes always carry the potential for an early finish, and this battle of big men could deliver. Diniz, a Glory kickboxing veteran, brings striking technique and seven knockout victories to the cage. He faces the undefeated Pinto, who has shown his own finishing power with a first-round KO in his UFC debut. While both prefer stand-up battles, the potential vulnerability in Diniz's ground game adds an intriguing layer. This matchup likely produces a knockout, earning its spot in the middle of the rankings.
Solid Prelim Fights
#6 Jafel Filho vs. Clayton Carpenter – Flyweight
This prelim headliner features two flyweights looking to build momentum. Filho and Carpenter both bring finishing instincts to the octagon, with Carpenter remaining undefeated in his young career. In the smaller weight classes where technical battles often prevail, fighters with finishing instincts always deserve attention, securing this bout a respectable position in the rankings.
#7 Lucas Rocha vs. Stewart Nicoll – Flyweight
This flyweight preliminary bout features two fighters looking to make their mark in the 125-pound division. While both are coming off a loss in their UFC debuts, flyweight contests typically deliver fast-paced action and technical exchanges. That alone earns it a placement at no. 7.
#8 Julia Polastri vs. Karolina Kowalkiewicz – Women's Strawweight
Veteran presence of Karolina Kowalkiewicz brings name value to this strawweight matchup against the less-experienced Polastri. While Kowalkiewicz has seen better results in her career, her fights often deliver entertainment value. The experience versus youth dynamic makes this an intriguing women's strawweight contest worth watching.
Bottom of Power Rankings
#9 Beatriz Mesquita vs. Irina Alekseeva – Women's Bantamweight
This women's bantamweight bout features Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Mesquita making a somewhat anticipated UFC debut against the experienced Alekseeva. Those who are familiar with the sport of BJJ know that Mesquita's ground game is world-class, but the transition to MMA does bring questions. The division is also relatively scarce and lacks intrigue compared to most UFC weight classes, bringing this bout towards the end of the rankings.
#10 Luan Lacerda vs. Saimon Oliveira – Catchweight (144 lbs)
The no. 10 spot goes to this catchweight affair, which unfortunately comes with controversy. Saimon Oliveira missed weight by a significant eight pounds, resulting in a 50% purse fine and the bout proceeding at catchweight. While both Brazilian bantamweights will undoubtedly bring excitement, the weight miss combined with the lack of a ranking for both fighters places this bout towards the bottom of the power rankings.
#11 Vitor Petrino vs. Thomas Petersen – Heavyweight
The last spot goes to a heavyweight showdown featured on the card, this time between Petrino and Petersen. Petrino has shown decent power in his previous appearances, along with some submission skills, but Petersen brings an even 2-2 UFC record into this fight, with both wins going to decision. Neither fighter hold a ranking, making this is a low-stakes heavyweight fight that could potentially turn into a slow-paced decision.
A Night of Brazilian Fireworks
This card delivers a compelling slate of matchups with something for every MMA fan. As the UFC returns to Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian crowd will likely elevate an already electric atmosphere, particularly when their countrymen look to secure spectacular victories inside the Octagon.
Related: UFC Rio: Heavyweight Bout Canceled After Positive Testosterone Test
Related: UFC Fight Night 261: Full Card, Date, Time and How to Watch
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 10, 2025, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
