Is Charles Oliveira set to face another setback? That’s the question fans have been asking after ‘Do Bronxs’ agreed to fight Mateusz Gamrot in the main event of UFC Rio. First of all, it’s a completely different challenge from his originally scheduled bout against Rafael Fiziev. Second, many aren’t convinced that the former 155 lbs champion has fully recovered from the brutal knockout he suffered against Ilia Topuria at UFC 317. And now, it seems that the Polish fighter’s game plan could pose some real threats on October 11.  

As much as Oliveira has been facing some doubts, it’s fair to say he remains one of the best BJJ artists ever in the UFC. However, he has often struggled against strong wrestlers. For example, Islam Makhachev easily passed the Brazilian’s guard at UFC 280 and submitted him with a triangle choke. Also, his struggle was noticeable against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300. Now, fans fear something similar could happen at UFC Rio, especially after Mateusz Gamrot stirred the pot by revealing his intention to use a grappling-heavy game plan against Oliveira. 

Mateusz Gamrot talks about his strategy to counter Charles Oliveira  

In an interview with MMA Fighting, Gamrot said, “Yeah. Like I’m wrestler, Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling is in my DNA. I love fight in the ground. I love scramble. I love exchange techniques. So, this is my background that I happy right now, because I can challenge myself against the most dangerous grappler in the lightweight division — Charles Oliveira. I have a lot of respect for him. He’s great person and great name. But, he’s changed guard and I want to take his place.”   

With that statement, Mateusz Gamrot made it clear that fans can expect takedown attempts right from the opening bell. And there’s a reason behind his growing confidence. Oliveira usually never shies away from a challenge. It’s just part of his warrior nature. However, after Rafael Fiziev pulled out, the Brazilian initially showed some hesitation before accepting the fight, admitting he hadn’t fully prepared for ‘Gamer’s’ grappling-heavy style. That’s why the Polish contender couldn’t believe the former champion actually agreed to take this matchup.

Gamrot added, “For me, this was a little bit surprising. Because I saw his interview in Portuguese. Like, he know my name, he respect me, and of course I respect him a lot too. But, he has camp prepare different style versus striker guy, and he’s not ready for my style. So, for me, this was a little like funny. Like he’s the lion, the most in the UFC history. He submitted almost everybody. So how he can get scared like grappler guy? I’m a grappler, I’m gonna takedown everybody.”  

While fans are currently rallying behind Gamrot to take the victory, some experts believe Oliveira could come out on top. According to a former UFC champ, ‘Do Bronxs’ possesses a skill that could create serious problems for the No. 8-ranked lightweight to handle.

Robert Whittaker backs ‘Do Bronxs’ kickboxing against Mateusz Gamrot   

Charles Oliveira might be famous for his impeccable jiu-jitsu skills, but many forget that he also possesses some of the best hands in the lightweight division. Remember his fights against Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Michael Chandler? The Brazilian hurt and dropped them multiple times on their feet, and that’s exactly why he’s so dangerous. With that in mind, Robert Whittaker believes Oliveira’s kickboxing could be his ultimate weapon against Gamrot in Rio.

‘The Reaper’ said on the MMAarcade Podcast, “I think his kickboxing can give Gamrot problems. Not to mention, Charles works extremely well off his back. He’s so dangerous with that. So, I think that nullifies Gamrot’s mixing of the levels. Which means — if we’re looking at it in a more kickboxing sense, Oliveira, I think, has cleaner strikes. But it is relatively soon after the Topuria loss.”

The former middleweight champion is on point here. We’ve already seen Dan Hooker give Mateusz Gamrot massive problems on the feet at UFC 305, which helped ‘The Hangman’ snatch the victory. So, if Oliveira focuses on picking his shots rather than engaging on the ground, he could make a spectacular comeback in front of his home audience.

However, as Whittaker also implied, is it actually too soon for him to return? That’s what we’ll find out at the UFC Fight Night Rio main event. Until then, let us know who you think will win this fight.