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Background:

The UFC returns to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this weekend as Charles Oliveira takes on Mateusz Gamrot in a huge lightweight affair.

The legendary Oliveira comes into the fight off the back of a devastating knockout loss to the current champion, Ilia Topuria, while Gamrot defeated Ludovit Klein via decision in June.

Initially, Oliveira was set to face Rafael Fiziev, who had to withdraw with a knee injury, but Gamrot stepped in to try and force himself into the title conversation.

‘Do Bronx’ first made his UFC debut in 2010 and has since racked up an impressive 35 fights, capturing the lightweight title and cementing himself as a UFC legend in the process.

Oliveira’s fortunes have changed recently, though, and he has three losses in his last five fights.

As for Gamrot, he has been in the UFC since 2020 and has defeated the likes of Rafael Fiziev and Rafael dos Anjos.

‘Gamer’ is sure to face his toughest test yet though in the form of Oliveira, but the biggest victory of his career will place him one step closer to his dream….

Fighting Styles:

This lightweight encounter is sure to be an interesting stylistic encounter, with Oliveira, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Gamrot, a highly efficient wrestler.

Oliveira is extremely effective on the mat and is a constant submission threat, while his Muay Thai stance also makes him a threat on the feet, as he can overwhelm opponents with a barrage of kicks and strikes.

Oliveira’s Jiu-Jitsu background makes him dangerous off his back, so Gamrot will have trouble controlling him on the canvas.

As for his opponent, ‘Gamer’, he comes from a wrestling background and therefore delights in taking his opponents down and using devastating ground and pound strikes.

Despite his prominent wrestling structure, however, Gamrot actually has more wins via knockout than submission, defeating both Diego Ferreira and Scott Holtzman via this medium.

After being viciously knocked out in his most recent fight, Oliveira may be wary of staying on his feet, something that Gamrot will be happy to do, knowing Oliveira’s high grappling ability.

Future:

The lightweight division is one of the most competitive in the UFC, and the title is currently held by Spaniard Ilia Topuria.

The winner of this fight would put themselves closer to a title shot, but there are a host of names in the division, including Paddy Pimblett, Justin Gaethje and Arman Tsarukyan.

Number two ranked Tsarukyan is set to face off with Dan Hooker in November, and a win for him would surely grant him a title shot.

Elsewhere in the division, Pimblett could face Gaethje in a title eliminator or even face his long-term rival Topuria for the title, a fight that many MMA fans eagerly anticipate.

So the lightweight division is super stacked, and it is one that both Oliveira and Gamrot will be hoping to climb to the top of….

Prediction:

Although I am expecting Oliveira to open up as the favourite for this fight, I am siding with Gamrot to cement his name in the lightweight division.

Gamrot is a supremely talented wrestler and has earned major accolades in that discipline, which makes him very difficult to compete against inside the octagon.

I believe Gamrot will pressure Oliveira right from the first bell and look for any opportunity to take him down, believing his wrestling can counteract his opponent’s Jiu-Jitsu.

With all things considered, I’m leaning towards a Gamrot decision victory with a high amount of control time, as his cardio will allow him to keep pushing forward even in the later rounds.