In a thrilling and dramatic turn of events, the main event of UFC Rio has been saved by a fighter willing to step in on short notice. After Rafael Fiziev was forced to withdraw due to injury, the call for a new opponent went out to the lightweight division. It was answered by none other than Mateusz Gamrot, who will now face fan favourite and former champion Charles Oliveira on October 11 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Gamrot’s decision to accept this high-risk, high-reward opportunity has not only saved the card but has also put him in a career-defining position.
The Fall of the Original Main Event
The highly anticipated return of Charles Oliveira to his home country was scheduled to be a stylistically intriguing matchup against striking specialist Rafael Fiziev. However, just weeks out from the event, Fiziev was forced to pull out, leaving the main event in jeopardy. News of Fiziev’s injury spread rapidly, creating a void in the card and a frustrating situation for Oliveira and his team, who had spent their camp preparing for a specific type of opponent. The scramble for a replacement began, and rumours of fighters “ducking” the fight on short notice started to circulate.
This is where Mateusz Gamrot emerged. Known for his elite grappling and relentless pressure, Gamrot quickly made it clear that he was not only willing but eager to take the fight. His decision to step up in a moment of need has earned him immense respect from fans and commentators alike, completely changing the narrative around the main event. Instead of a striker vs. grappler matchup, fans are now getting a clash between two of the most dangerous ground fighters in the division.
A New Opponent, a Different Fight
For Charles Oliveira, this short-notice change presents a new set of challenges. He was training for Fiziev’s dynamic striking, but now he must face Gamrot’s suffocating wrestling and positional control. This is a fighter with a different skillset entirely, and it forces “Do Bronx” to adjust his game plan completely. It’s a testament to Oliveira’s will to fight in front of his home crowd that he accepted such a formidable and stylistically difficult replacement on short notice.
For Mateusz Gamrot, this is the biggest opportunity of his career. Stepping in to fight a legend like Oliveira in his home country is a massive risk, but a win would be a game-changer. It would instantly solidify his standing as a legitimate title contender and put him right at the top of the lightweight rankings.
Watch a preview of what makes Gamrot such a dangerous opponent:
The Stakes for Both Fighters
For Oliveira, a victory over a last-minute replacement like Gamrot is more than just another win. It’s an opportunity to bounce back from a devastating knockout loss to Ilia Topuria and prove that he is still an elite-level fighter ready to challenge for the belt. A win would erase doubts and keep him on the path to a future title shot.
Meanwhile, for Gamrot, this is his chance to prove he belongs in the elite conversation. He is taking on a legend on his own turf, and a dominant performance would send a clear message to the entire division. This is a gamble that could pay off with a massive reward, and it highlights why fans were so eager to see him accept the fight in the first place.
With both fighters having so much to prove, the Oliveira versus Gamrot main event is shaping up to be an unmissable showdown. It’s a reminder of the unpredictability of the sport and the willingness of some fighters to step up when it matters most.
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Key Points
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| New Main Event | Mateusz Gamrot replaces Rafael Fiziev against Charles Oliveira. |
| Reason for Change | Fiziev withdrew due to a foot injury. |
| Date & Location | October 11, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. |
| Gamrot’s Opportunity | He accepted the fight on short notice, putting himself in a position for a potential title shot. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is Rafael Fiziev not fighting at UFC Rio?
Rafael Fiziev was forced to withdraw from the main event due to a foot injury. He was originally scheduled to fight Charles Oliveira. - Who is Mateusz Gamrot?
Mateusz Gamrot is a highly-ranked lightweight fighter known for his elite grappling and relentless pressure. He is now stepping in to fight Oliveira on short notice. - How does this change impact the fight for Oliveira?
Oliveira was preparing for a striker in Fiziev but must now adjust his game plan to face a high-level grappler in Gamrot. It is a major stylistic change on short notice.
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