Charles Oliveira returned to vintage form Saturday night in the main event of UFC Rio,further extending his 18-0 undefeated streak in Brazil with a submission of Mateusz Gamrot at the Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro,Brazil. The former UFC lightweight champion only needed until the second round to latch onto a fight-finishing face crank, vaulting him back into the win column just 105 days after his brutal knockout loss at the hands of Ilia Topuria for the then-vacant UFC lightweight title.

Oliveira (36-11, 1 NC) applied his patented striking pressure early into the fight, burying teep kicks into the abdomen of his late-replacement opponent.Gamrot (25-4, 1 NC) gambled under the pressure, taking down Oliveira adn getting himself into fearsome grappling entanglements, with Oliveira’s omoplata attempts being particularly threatening. Eventually, “Do Bronx” worked his way to Gamrot’s back, which ultimately teased the unavoidable conclusion in round 2.

It was a largely effortless performance from the fan-favorite in front of his raucous hometown crowd. The win keeps Oliveira’s name within the upper-elite at 155 pounds, and though a title remains his focus, it’s not the title you’d expect. Post-fight, an emotional oliveira called for a chance to revisit a past opponent and challenge the current holder of the UFC’s symbolic BMF championship, Max Holloway.

“I’m trying to hold back the tears right now. This is all for you guys, Oliveira said. “It’s not about money,fame,status or anything. Screw it, this is Brazil.

“Hey [UFC executive] Hunter [Campbell]Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway, BMF – let’s make that happen.”

Holloway wasted no time reacting to Oliveira’s win. Taking to his Kick stream, Holloway noted that he’s still recovering from a hand injury, with his sights set on a return in the second quarter of 2026.

Regardless, he’s interested.

UFC Rio Results: Deiveson Figueiredo earns Split Decision Over Montel Jackson

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – January 20, 2024 – Deiveson Figueiredo returned to the win column with a hard-fought split decision victory over Montel Jackson in the main event of UFC Rio. The fight, an emotional one for Figueiredo fighting in his home country, showcased his relentless pressure and grappling skills against Jackson’s striking and takedown defense. The event also featured several other compelling matchups, delivering a night of exciting action for brazilian fans.

Main Event Recap: Figueiredo vs. Jackson

A Battle of Styles

The main event pitted the grappling prowess of former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo against the well-rounded skillset of Montel Jackson. Figueiredo, known for his aggressive submissions and relentless pace, looked to impose his will on the fight. Jackson, a dangerous striker with solid wrestling, aimed to keep the fight standing and utilize his reach advantage.

Fight Breakdown

The fight was a closely contested affair. Figueiredo consistently pressured Jackson, attempting takedowns and looking for submission opportunities. Jackson effectively defended many of these attempts, landing meaningful strikes and utilizing his footwork to create distance. The grappling exchanges where intense, with both fighters having moments of control. The judges ultimately scored the fight a split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28) in favor of Figueiredo.

“It means the world to me to get this win in front of my people,” Figueiredo stated after the fight. “I had to dig deep, and Montel is a tough opponent. I’m back, and I’m ready for whatever comes next.”

Key Moments

• Round 1: Jackson utilized his jab and movement to control the distance, while Figueiredo attempted several takedowns.
• Round 2: Figueiredo secured a takedown and spent a significant portion of the round in top position, landing ground and pound.
• Round 3: A back-and-forth round with both fighters landing significant strikes. Jackson had success with his striking, while Figueiredo continued to pursue takedowns.

Notable Undercard Results

Joel alvarez Defeats Vicente Luque

Welterweight contender Joel Alvarez secured a unanimous decision victory over veteran Vicente Luque.Alvarez’s striking and grappling proved too much for Luque, who struggled to find his rhythm throughout the fight. The judges scored the bout 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28.

Elves Brener Wins by Submission

Lightweight Elves Brener continued his impressive run with a first-round submission victory. Brener showcased his grappling skills, quickly taking his opponent down and securing a dominant position before finishing the fight with a submission.

Other Key Results

• Flyweight: Alessandro Costa def. Kevin Natividade via unanimous decision.
• Featherweight: Gabriel Bonfim def. Eduardo Dantas via unanimous decision.

Key Takeaways

• Deiveson Figueiredo demonstrated resilience and grappling skills in a tough fight against Montel Jackson.
• Montel Jackson proved to be a durable and skilled opponent, pushing Figueiredo to his limits.
• Joel alvarez showcased his potential as a rising contender in the welterweight division.
• UFC Rio delivered exciting fights and showcased the passion of Brazilian MMA fans.

FAQ

Q: What was the biggest surprise of the night?

A: Many expected Figueiredo to secure a more dominant victory, but Jackson’s striking and takedown defense proved challenging.

Q: What’s next for Deiveson Figueiredo?

A: figueiredo will likely look to climb the rankings in the bantamweight division and pursue another title chance.

Q: Where can I re-watch the fights?

A: fights are typically available on UFC Fight Pass and ESPN+.

Publication Date: 2024/01/21 08:00:00