UFC RIO 2025
UFC returns to Brazil for an explosive night of mixed martial arts action as the legendary Charles “do Bronx” Oliveira headlines UFC Rio at the iconic Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro. This marks Oliveira’s first fight on Brazilian soil since 2020, as the former lightweight champion looks to bounce back from his title fight loss and reclaim his spot at the top of the division. With a stacked card featuring Brazilian stars and international contenders, UFC Rio promises to deliver an unforgettable night of elite MMA competition in front of the passionate Brazilian crowd.
Full Fight Card
Main Event Analysis: Lightweight Clash
Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira vs. Mateusz “Gamer” Gamrot
This high-stakes lightweight bout features the former champion returning home against a relentless wrestling threat in what promises to be a compelling stylistic clash with title implications.
Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira (35-11-1)
Age: 35 | From: São Paulo, Brazil | Ranking: #4 Lightweight
Key Strengths:
• Former UFC Champion — 11-fight win streak between 2018-2022
• Submission Master — UFC record holder with 16 submission wins
• Brazilian Homecoming — first fight in Brazil since March 2020
• Finishing Ability — 31 career finishes (20 subs, 11 KOs)
• Experience Advantage — 47 professional fights, championship composure
• Fan Support — massive crowd advantage in Rio de Janeiro
Points of Vigilance:
• Recent KO Loss — brutal first-round knockout by Ilia Topuria at UFC 317
• Wrestling Vulnerability — historically struggled with elite wrestlers
• Quick Turnaround — only 4 months since devastating knockout loss
• Age and Mileage — 35 with significant career wear
Mateusz “Gamer” Gamrot (25-3)
Age: 34 | From: Szczecin, Poland | Ranking: #8 Lightweight
Key Strengths:
• Elite Wrestling — relentless pressure and takedown ability
• Cardio Machine — exceptional conditioning and pace
• Short Notice Warrior — campaigned hard for this opportunity
• Recent Momentum — 4-1 in last five, decision win over Ludovit Klein
• Stylistic Nightmare — wrestling-heavy approach troubles Oliveira
• Motivated Challenger — nothing to lose, everything to gain mentality
Points of Vigilance:
• Hostile Environment — fighting in Oliveira’s backyard
• Short Notice Preparation — less time to study Oliveira specifically
• Experience Gap — never fought at this level of pressure
• Recent Loss — split decision defeat to Dan Hooker in 2024
Fight Breakdown
Oliveira’s Path to Victory: Use his superior striking to keep the fight standing and look for opportunistic submissions. Needs to defend takedowns and utilize his crowd support to build momentum early.
Gamrot’s Path to Victory: Implement his relentless wrestling to control position and drain Oliveira’s energy. Look to grind out rounds with top control and avoid dangerous submission attempts.
Main Event Prediction
This matchup heavily favors Gamrot’s wrestling-centric style against an Oliveira coming off a brutal knockout. Expect Gamrot to win via unanimous decision after controlling the majority of the fight with his grappling, potentially handing Oliveira consecutive losses for the first time since 2017.
Co-Main Event Analysis: Bantamweight Redemption
Deiveson “Deus Da Guerra” Figueiredo vs. Montel “Quik” Jackson
The former two-time flyweight champion faces a dangerous rising contender in a bantamweight clash that could make or break both fighters’ title aspirations.
Deiveson Figueiredo (24-5-1)
Age: 37 | From: Soure, Brazil | Ranking: #6 Bantamweight
Key Strengths:
• Championship Pedigree — former two-time UFC flyweight champion
• Finishing Power — 13 KOs, 8 submissions in 30 career wins
• Brazilian Home Advantage — fighting in front of home crowd
• Early Bantamweight Success — 3-2 record at 135 lbs, beat Font and Garbrandt
• Veteran Composure — experience in high-pressure situations
• Improved Health — no longer dealing with brutal flyweight cuts
Points of Vigilance:
• Back-to-Back Losses — first time in his career facing consecutive defeats
• Age Factor — 37 years old with significant mileage
• Recent Injury — knee injury against Sandhagen in last fight
• Division Adjustment — still adapting to bantamweight competition
Montel Jackson (15-2)
Age: 33 | From: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA | Ranking: #15 Bantamweight
Key Strengths:
• Six-Fight Win Streak — currently on the best run of his career
• Knockout Power — 8 career KO victories, dangerous striker
• UFC Experience — 9-2 record inside the Octagon since Contender Series
• Prime Athletic Years — 33 and in excellent physical condition
• Ranking Opportunity — victory could propel him into top 10
• Confidence — recent decision win over Daniel Marcos
Points of Vigilance:
• Step Up in Competition — biggest fight of his UFC career
• Hostile Environment — fighting in Brazil against fan favorite
• Experience Gap — facing former champion with elite credentials
• Pressure Situation — opportunity to break into title picture
Co-Main Event Prediction
This represents a crucial crossroads for both fighters. Jackson’s momentum meets Figueiredo’s desperation to avoid three straight losses. Expect Figueiredo to rally at home and secure a second-round TKO victory, rediscovering his finishing instincts and keeping his title hopes alive at bantamweight.
Main Card Supporting Fights
Vicente Luque vs. Joel Álvarez (Welterweight – 170 lbs)
Late replacement bout after Santiago Ponzinibbio’s withdrawal. Álvarez makes welterweight debut against struggling veteran Luque. The 6’3″ Spanish finisher should benefit from not cutting to 155 lbs, while Luque needs a statement win after recent setbacks.
Jhonata Diniz vs. Mário Pinto (Heavyweight – 265 lbs)
Brazilian heavyweight action featuring prospect Diniz against Portuguese veteran Pinto. Home crowd favorite Diniz looks to continue his rise in the heavyweight division.
Valter Walker vs. Mohammed Usman (Heavyweight – 265 lbs)
Heavyweight clash between Brazilian Walker and TUF winner Usman. Walker looking to bounce back while Usman seeks to establish himself in UFC heavyweight division.
Notable Preliminary Fights
Julia Polastri vs. Karolina Kowalkiewicz (Women’s Strawweight)
Brazilian prospect Polastri faces veteran Polish fighter Kowalkiewicz in women’s strawweight action. Polastri looks to impress on home soil against experienced opposition.
Vitor Petrino vs. Thomas Petersen (Light Heavyweight)
Brazilian light heavyweight Petrino takes on Danish fighter Petersen. Potential showcase fight for the home favorite Petrino.
Ricardo Ramos vs. Kaan Ofli (Featherweight)
Featherweight battle between Brazilian veteran Ramos and rising prospect Ofli. Ramos seeks to regain momentum in front of home crowd.
Event Overview and Conclusion
UFC RIO 2025 represents the promotion’s 13th visit to Rio de Janeiro and first Fight Night in the city since 2015. Despite multiple fight cancellations, the card maintains strong Brazilian representation with several home favorites.
Key Event Highlights:
- Homecoming Story — Oliveira’s first fight in Brazil since 2020
- Stylistic Intrigue — Wrestler vs. submission specialist main event
- Redemption Narratives — Both Figueiredo and Oliveira fighting to avoid losing streaks
- Rising vs. Veteran Theme — Multiple fights featuring prospects against experienced fighters
- Card Adversity — Event survived multiple fight cancellations and changes
Overall Event Prediction
Expect a emotional night for Brazilian MMA with mixed results for the home favorites. The crowd will be electric for Oliveira’s return, but Gamrot’s wrestling may spoil the party. Figueiredo should provide redemption for Brazil in the co-main event. Despite card changes, UFC Rio delivers compelling matchups with significant divisional implications across multiple weight classes.
Quick Links
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is UFC RIO 2025 taking place?
UFC RIO 2025: Brazil vs World takes place on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The preliminary card starts at 4:00 PM ET, and the main card begins at 7:00 PM ET.
How can I watch UFC RIO 2025?
UFC RIO 2025 will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN+. The preliminary card starts at 4:00 PM ET and the main card at 7:00 PM ET. You’ll need an ESPN+ subscription to watch the event live or on-demand.
Who is Charles Oliveira fighting in the main event?
Charles “do Bronx” Oliveira’s opponent is currently to be determined (TBD). His original opponent Rafael Fiziev withdrew due to injury, and the UFC is actively seeking a replacement fighter for this highly anticipated main event in Brazil.
What makes this event special for Brazilian MMA fans?
This marks Charles Oliveira’s first fight on Brazilian soil since 2020, making it a homecoming for the former UFC Lightweight Champion. The card features several top Brazilian fighters including Deiveson Figueiredo, Vicente Luque, and Gabriel Bonfim, creating an exciting “Brazil vs World” atmosphere.
Are tickets still available for UFC RIO 2025?
Ticket availability varies depending on seating sections and pricing tiers. We recommend checking the official UFC website or authorized ticket vendors for the most up-to-date availability and pricing information for the Farmasi Arena event.
October 11 @ 7:00 pm – October 12 @ 7:30 pm UTC+0
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