UFC Fight Night: Oliveira Faces Gamrot in Rio Main Event

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira will face ranked contender Mateusz Gamrot in the main event of UFC Fight Night this Saturday at 7 p.m. ET, with prelims beginning at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Oliveira, with a record of 35 wins and 11 losses, aims to bounce back after losing by knockout in his last fight against Ilia Topuria in June. The Brazilian fighter is known for his resilience, having never lost in five previous UFC bouts in his home country.

Gamrot, ranked ninth with a record of 25 wins and 3 losses, comes into this fight after a unanimous decision victory in May. He has won four of his last five fights and hopes to utilize his wrestling skills effectively against Oliveira.

ESPN MMA analysts, including Din Thomas and Anthony Smith, shared their predictions for the matchup. Thomas believes that Gamrot’s grappling abilities could prevent Oliveira from imposing his submission game. Smith noted that while Oliveira remains a formidable striker, Gamrot’s wrestling might be a critical factor in the fight.

“This matchup could be tough for Oliveira,” Thomas stated. “Gamrot has great counter-grappling and can impose his will to earn a decision win,” he added.

Betting expert Ian Parker suggests that Gamrot has significant potential for an upset, underscoring Oliveira’s vulnerability after his recent knockout loss. If Gamrot can get the fight to the ground early, he could dominate the action.

In addition to the main event, the card includes several other promising fights, with coverage beginning at 4 p.m. ET.