Dana White is in scramble mode. With less than three weeks until UFC Rio, the promotion’s main event has blown up. Charles Oliveira was set to headline in his home country, but Rafael Fiziev pulled out with an injury. Now, the UFC is racing against the clock to find someone willing — and brave enough — to step into the lion’s den in Brazil.

Charles Oliveira himself isn’t exactly impressed with the so-called volunteers. He jumped on Instagram with a fiery rant: “Stop it, it’s not a good look. I saw one saying this, another saying that, but when the UFC calls, what do they say? ‘Oh, I can’t. I got belly ache. I broke a finger…hurt my hand.’ Enough with that, it’s not a good look.” Vintage Do Bronx — no filter, no patience.

Dustin Poirier’s training partner signals willingness to fight Charles Oliveira

Charles Oliveira’s recent outburst on Instagram set social media ablaze, and naturally, it caught the attention of Mateusz Gamrot (23-3-0, 1 NC). In response, the Polish lightweight contender fired back on X, making his intentions crystal clear: “I am ready and hungry to jump.” He added, “Respect @CharlesDoBronxs, but I told UFC straight, I want to face you in your own house. This will be a true masterclass on the ground, and I’m ready to prove it.”

Currently ranked #8 in the UFC lightweight division, Mateusz Gamrot last stepped into the Octagon in May, where he scored a decision victory over Ľudovít Klein at UFC Vegas 107. Since then, he has intensified his preparation, honing his skills alongside Dustin Poirier at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida, describing the sparring sessions as some of the most intense of his career — a critical part of gearing up for top-tier competition.

Previously, UFC officials had rumored a rematch between Mateusz Gamrot and #2 contender, Arman Tsarukyan, but Tsarukyan declined, citing differences in rank and status. ‘Gamer’ had already defeated him by decision in 2022, and with his win over Rafael Fiziev, he clearly stands ready to take on Charles Oliveira. Looking at the current lightweight landscape, options remain limited.

With Tsarukyan chasing a title shot, Max Holloway on a long hiatus, Justin Gaethje pursuing his own path, Dan Hooker staying quiet, and Paddy Pimblett competing at a higher weight class, the door opens for Mateusz Gamrot. Consequently, he stands out as one of the few active, available, and credible challengers ready to step up against Charles Oliveira next.

Charles Oliveira receives crucial career advice from fellow Brazilian

As fighters get older, their bodies inevitably change—and in the UFC, that often means higher walk-around weights. That makes the brutal process of cutting weight even tougher with age. Recent moves by Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria up a division highlight the trend: slower metabolism and punishing cuts push fighters to compete closer to their natural size. Extreme weight cuts also sap energy, a reality that hits harder as athletes age. Now, 35-year-old Charles Oliveira faces the same challenge, with his 36th birthday just around the corner in October.

‘Do Bronxs’s compatriot and reigning UFC flyweight champion, Alexandre Pantoja, recently shared his perspective ahead of UFC Rio. On Mike Perry’s Overdogs Podcast, ‘The Cannibal’ addressed concerns over Charles Oliveira’s comeback timeline but zeroed in on what he sees as the bigger issue: the toll of the weight cut.

Pantoja believes the writing might be on the wall for ‘Do Bronx’ at 155 pounds and suggested a permanent move to welterweight could be the smarter path. “I think everybody understands when we say he’s back too soon after a knockout,” Pantoja said. “But he has all the skills, you know? Charles likes to fight in this atmosphere, especially when he goes to Brazil. And you know what I think? The (weight) cut is maybe too much. When you cut too much weight, you need to understand, all your water goes. Your brain has water.”

And if the move to welterweight is inevitable, how much longer can he keep dancing with killers at lightweight before the price becomes too high?

So here we are: less than three weeks out, the UFC still scrambling, Oliveira breathing fire, and Gamrot raising his hand. The only question left — does Dana White roll the dice and send Gamer into Brazil, or does this card risk imploding on the biggest stage?