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4h ago

Mateusz Gamrot Replaces Rafael Fiziev to Headline UFC Rio vs. Charles Oliveira

Oliveira accepted a late switch to a wrestling specialist after blasting short‑notice posturing, with Gamrot’s lobbying securing the spot.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 13: Charles Oliveira of Brazil looks on against Arman Tsarukyan in their lightweight fight at T-Mobile Arena on April 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Charles Oliveira enters the Octagon for his fight against Ilia Topuria at UFC 317. Credit: Ian Maule/Getty Images
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Overview

  • UFC and Oliveira announced on Sept. 23 that Gamrot will step in to face the former champion in the Oct. 11 main event in Rio de Janeiro.
  • Fiziev withdrew late last week with an undisclosed injury, prompting a quick search to keep Oliveira atop the card.
  • Oliveira had voiced reluctance to face Gamrot given a camp tailored for a striker, but he agreed to the stylistic shift to stay on the event.
  • Gamrot publicly campaigned for the matchup, traveled to train at American Top Team, and enters on a 4-1 run that includes wins over Ľudovít Klein and Rafael Fiziev.
  • The UFC Rio lineup remains in flux, with Joel Álvarez replacing Santiago Ponzinibbio against Vicente Luque and Randy Brown withdrawing from a bout with Gabriel Bonfim.