On October 11, the UFC returns to Rio de Janeiro for its 13th visit, marking the city’s first Fight Night event since 2015. To make the night unforgettable, Brazilian superstars Charles Oliveira and Deiveson Figueiredo will headline the card. But that’s not all. This weekend is even more special, as several renowned former UFC veterans are also set to step back into the Octagon and put on a show for the fans. 

Urijah Faber’s A1 Combat and BKFC will serve as the stages where several familiar faces make their return, ready to prove their might once again. It’s safe to say that the next couple of nights will truly belong to the veterans. From the UFC to other top promotions, here’s a look at the big names set to elevate the intrigue of the combat scene.

Charles Oliveira returns home after 5 years for UFC Rio  

Although Charles Oliveira has been part of the UFC for nearly a decade and a half, he hasn’t had many chances to compete in front of his home crowd. The last time ‘Predator’ fought in Brazil was in 2020, when he faced Kevin Lee at UFC Fight Night 170 at Ginásio Nilson Nelson in Brasília. Now, after five long years, he’s finally returning to headline UFC Rio against Mateusz Gamrot. Fans at the Farmasi Arena are sure to fill the venue with cheers for their hero’s long-awaited homecoming. But that’s not the only reason this comeback is so special for the Brazilian star.

His upcoming fight against Gamrot could further cement his legacy as one of the UFC’s most seasoned veterans. Over the years, Charles Oliveira has built an impressive resume through countless grueling battles inside the Octagon. Currently, he stands as the third-longest active tenured fighter in the UFC, trailing only Jim Miller and Rafael dos Anjos. Following that achievement, Oliveira also holds the record for the most submission wins in UFC history (16) and the most overall finishes (20). On top of that, he has earned over $1 million in performance-related bonuses.

That’s an incredible milestone for Oliveira as he heads into his clash with Mateusz Gamrot tonight. With so much already accomplished, this fight holds even greater significance. It’s another opportunity for the Brazilian star to surpass his own records and add to his legendary legacy. However, Oliveira won’t be the only former champion representing Brazil that night. Another iconic countryman is also set to step into the Octagon, making the card even more special for Brazilian fight fans.  

Deiveson Figueiredo is ready to please the Brazilian crowd 

In the UFC Rio main event, Charles Oliveira will undoubtedly command most of the spotlight from the crowd. But before he steps into the Octagon, Deiveson Figueiredo will have the responsibility of electrifying the arena in the co-main event when he faces Montel Jackson. Although the former flyweight champion has experienced his fair share of ups and downs since moving to bantamweight, he has undeniably solidified his reputation as a true veteran of the game. 

‘Deus da Guerra’ has been through some absolute wars during his time in the UFC. Since debuting in 2017, Deiveson Figueiredo has captured the flyweight title twice and even took part in the UFC’s first-ever quadrilogy against Brandon Moreno. He’s also the man who handed current dominant champion—and fellow Brazilian—Alexandre Pantoja a loss back at UFC 240. While his flyweight triumphs remain the defining moments of his career, his performances at bantamweight have also proven that his fighting spirit and skill remain top-tier. 

In his 135 lbs debut, Deiveson Figueiredo made an instant impact, defeating Rob Font. And then, he defeated former champion Cody Garbrandt, and top contender Marlon Vera. His move up in weight proved to be a smart transition, but ‘The God of War’ ended up losing two crucial fights against Petr Yan and Cory Sandhagen. Still, Figueiredo isn’t the final name on UFC Rio’s list of veterans, as another legend is set to step into the Octagon before him.

Brazil welcomes welterweight legend Vicente Luque at UFC Rio 

When it comes to true UFC veterans, Vicente Luque’s name absolutely deserves a place on the list. In 2015, the Brazilian began his UFC journey and is still going strong. With that long run, Luque has firmly established himself as one of the most seasoned fighters in the company. But it’s not just his tenure that defines him as a legend; it’s also the records he’s earned inside the cage.

Luque is tied with Kamaru Usman for the fourth-most wins in UFC welterweight history, boasting 16 victories. Also, he holds the record for the second-most submission wins in the 170 lbs division, sharing that spot with Demian Maia and Chris Lytle. Yet, these records only tell part of the story. Over the years, Luque has faced a who’s who of the division. From former champion Tyron Woodley to new-generation contenders like Joaquin Buckley. Proving his place among the elite.

Now, he’s gearing up for his return to the Octagon at UFC Rio, where he’ll take on surging Spanish contender Joel Álvarez. Fans are eager to see whether the Brazilian veteran can once again defend his legacy against a rising force. With the UFC Rio card packed with such iconic names, it’s time to shift our attention to the other former UFC veterans who’ll be showcasing their skills in different promotions this weekend. 

Other veteran fighters to star this weekend 

When it comes to legendary names competing this weekend, Charles Rosa stands out as one of the most recognizable former UFC fighters set to appear in another promotion. In his last outing under Dana White’s banner, ‘Boston Strong’ faced Nathaniel Wood at UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Aspinall, wrapping up his UFC run with a 5-8 record. After parting ways with the promotion, Rosa found renewed success across various MMA organizations. Now, he’s ready to take a bold new step as he faces Reid Krasowski at BKFC Ice Wars 3 on October 11. 

Following Rosa, Elias Garcia is another veteran ready to make waves at Urijah Faber’s A1 Combat 31. Although Garcia went 0-2 in his UFC tenure, his last performance in the Apex promotion against Kai Kara-France earned him a Fight of the Night bonus, highlighting his undeniable potential. That talent has continued to shine post-UFC, as he’s maintained an undefeated record since his exit. At just 33 years old, Garcia still has plenty of time to make a major comeback.

Finally, Shunichi Shimizu deserves a spot on this list as well. While the Japanese fighter only had one UFC fight — a loss to Kyung Ho Kang via arm-triangle choke at UFC Fight Night 34 — it’s not his UFC record that sets him apart. According to Tapology, Shimizu boasts a staggering 40-31-14 professional record, totaling 85 bouts in his career. He will face Erick Meneghin at ROMAN 3 on October 11, promising to deliver another thrilling performance.

With veterans ranging from UFC legends to seasoned fighters across other promotions, this weekend is shaping up to be a true celebration of experience and skill in combat sports. What do you think about these veterans making their mark across different promotions? Let us know in the comments below.