MMA fans are on the edge of their seats as the UFC makes its long-awaited return to Rio with UFC Fight Night 261 — the first non-numbered pay-per-view in “The Gateway to Brazil” in over a decade. All eyes will be on Brazilian fighters, ready to ignite the Farma­si Arena with their hometown pride and showcase why the country remains a powerhouse in the MMA world. Yet, fighters from across the globe will also claim the spotlight, bringing their own styles, stories, and national colors to the Octagon.

This diversity is no surprise, considering the UFC’s history of welcoming fighters from far-flung regions, from Dagestan to Georgia. Even in the world of comedy, the cultural mix has made an impression. Comedian Andrew Schulz once roasted the UFC CEO on stage: “Dana put more immigrants in cages than US border policies.” Setting humor aside, each fighter steps into the spotlight carrying their national flag, ready to stake their claim in the division. With UFC Rio on the horizon, it’s time to explore the nations represented in the Octagon and the stories each athlete brings with them.

UFC Rio Fight Night Main Card–nationalities and flags represented

Let’s start with the main event. Charles Oliveira vs. Mateusz Gamrot. Born in the Vicente de Carvalho favela in São Paulo, Oliveira’s early life was a battleground of its own, marked by financial hardship and serious health challenges. At one point, doctors even warned him against playing soccer due to a heart murmur, a small but formidable obstacle in a life already steeped in struggle. Yet, defying the odds and buoyed by the unwavering support of his parents, Oliveira chased his dreams in sports.

Remarkably, his condition held steady, a testament either to God’s will or the sheer force of his own determination. Inside the cage, Oliveira tears through opponents with surgical precision, reducing them to mere playthings. And to honor his roots, Charles Oliveira adopted the nickname “Do Bronxs,” paying tribute to the Brazilian city that forged him.

Meanwhile, Oliveira’s counterpart, two-time KSW champion Mateusz Gamrot, steps into the spotlight — a proud Polish native carrying forward the legacy begun by Marcin Tybura and Joanna Jędrzejczyk. In the co-main event, Brazilian Deiveson Figueiredo will electrify fans as he looks to assert Brazil’s dominance against Milwaukee’s rising star Montel Jackson. The main card also features a series of compelling matchups: Vicente Luque, the former double titleholder, will carry the Brazilian flag in the Octagon, while his 32-year-old opponent, Joel Alvarez, represents Spain.

Additionally, in the heavyweight showdown, fan-favorite Brazilian Jhonata Diniz aims to make a decisive statement against Portugal’s Mario Pinto. The final two bouts highlight Brazil’s depth: featherweight Ricardo Ramos faces Kaan Ofli, and Lucas Almeida squares off against an American opponent, further proving the might of Brazilian fighters. While Brazil hosts the spectacle, the international mix delivers its true brilliance, showing that even the grandest stage cannot reach its full potential without global competitors.

 UFC Rio preliminary card – All nationalities and fighters represented

The preliminary card mirrors the intensity of the main card, highlighting the ongoing rivalry between American and Brazilian fighters. In the flyweight division, Jafael Filho will face Clayton Carpenter. Carpenter is looking to bounce back from a loss to Tagi Ulanbekov, a member of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s team, while Filho aims to recover from his defeat to Allan Nascimento. Both warriors are determined to climb back into the win column.

Meanwhile, the prelims continue to deliver fireworks as 28-year-old Brazilian Vitor Petrino takes on American Thomas Petersen in a heavyweight clash. Fans will also witness a women’s bantamweight bout, with Beatriz Mesquita challenging the so-called ‘Russian Ronda,’ Irina Alekseeva, who holds a 1-2 UFC record.

Next, 25-year-old Brazilian Lucas Rocha defends his roots against Australian Stewart Nicoll, promising another thrilling battle. And for those who think the UFC sidelines female fighters, think again: the card features a women’s strawweight showdown, with Brazilian ‘Psycho’ Julia Polastri squaring off against Poland’s Karolina Kowalkiewicz.

However, the event’s first bout encountered a problem for Dana White and Co. faced a challenge when Brazilian bantamweight Simon Oliveira weighed eight pounds over the limit, forcing the fight to proceed at catchweight. Fortunately, Oliveira’s opponent, fellow Brazilian Lucas Lacerda, made weight successfully, keeping the clash intact despite the scale drama.

Now, the spotlight turns to you—whose national flag will you rally behind at the upcoming UFC Rio? What drives your allegiance? Share your take below.