On Saturday, October 11, 2025, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) held an exciting event at Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, called UFC Rio. Although there were concerns about Charles Oliveira’s quick return following his knockout loss to Ilia Topuria, fans were thrilled to see him—a.k.a. “The Predator”—back in action against a formidable fighter, Mateusz Gamrot. The co-main event featured another former champion, heightening interest, while Joel Alvarez made his long-awaited move to the Welterweight division. Overall, this event stood out as a memorable “Fight Night,” showcasing a wealth of Brazilian talent.
Let’s reflect on the highlights and standout performances from the night:
Charles Oliveira continues to shine. Although he may not be at his absolute prime, he remains a formidable offensive force and one of Brazil’s most cherished athletes. Facing Gamrot on short notice is no small feat for any Lightweight, yet Oliveira overwhelmed him with ease, showing little regard for incoming strikes.
His training with jiu-jitsu legend Demian Maia paid off, particularly in the second round when Oliveira successfully transitioned to back mount from a clinch takedown. He locked in a rear-naked choke with remarkable efficiency, reaffirming his record for the most submission victories in UFC history.
Regardless of his nickname, Oliveira remains a world-class Lightweight, and a logical next step would be a bout against Max Holloway for the BMF title.
Other notable fights included Deiveson Figueiredo versus Montel Jackson and Vicente Luque against Joel Alvarez, both of which held significance but lacked excitement. Figueiredo managed to secure a decision victory despite the fight being relatively uneventful, while Alvarez showcased a more dominant performance over Luque, who seemed hesitant in the octagon.
Mario Pinto emerged as a promising Heavyweight prospect, dominating Jhonata Diniz through skillful grappling. Despite Diniz’s experience, Pinto dictated the match with takedowns and relentless ground-and-pound until the referee intervened.
Finally, Bia Mesquita made a stellar UFC debut, defeating Irina Alekseeva and extending her unbeaten streak. Mesquita demonstrated her grappling prowess and striking ability, landing heavy shots before securing a submission.
