The UFC is set to make its 13th visit to Rio de Janeiro with UFC Fight Night 261, a special event marking the promotion’s return to the city with a fight night event after five years. The last Fight Night in Rio took place back in 2015, when Demian Maia faced Ryan LaFlare. This time, Charles Oliveira will headline the non-PPV card in a highly anticipated matchup against Mateusz Gamrot at the Farmasi Arena. While the main event now looks locked in, it has faced its fair share of twists and turbulence along the way. 

At UFC Rio, the promotion initially selected Rafael Fiziev to face Oliveira in his hometown. However, after the Azerbaijani star pulled out, Mateusz Gamrot stepped in as a fitting replacement to save the headliner. While the switch might seem like a smooth process, a fair bit of drama unfolded before the original fight was officially canceled. Here’s everything you need to know.  

Overview of the original fight booking for UFC Rio 2025 

After Charles Oliveira suffered a brutal knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in the UFC 317 main event, fans assumed he would take an extended break to recover. However, the Brazilian shocked everyone by announcing a quick turnaround, booking a return at UFC Rio against Rafael Fiziev. And just like that, questions began to surface about the lightweight legend’s decision.

Many were skeptical about whether ‘Do Bronxs,’ who has now adopted the moniker ‘Predator,’ would truly be ready to face such a dangerous opponent so soon. Still, Oliveira stood by his decision, showing his confidence and determination to jump right back into the title race. On the other hand, Fiziev had made an impressive comeback by defeating Ignacio Bahamondes at UFC Baku. Setting the stage for what looked like an explosive matchup. But then, bad news struck and derailed the main event — at least for a moment. 

It turned out that the Azerbaijani lightweight suffered a serious injury during his preparation for UFC Rio. Now that we know how the original fight came together, let’s take a closer look at how Fiziev actually got injured. 

Rafael Fiziev’s knee injury causes the Charles Oliveira fight cancellation 

‘Ataman’ was ready to face the toughest opponent of his career and felt genuinely excited about it. However, during training camp, he injured his knee, which completely halted his preparation. As a result, the Azerbaijani fighter pulled out of the fight against Charles Oliveira. Later, Fiziev revealed the news to fans during an Instagram Live session.  

In the video, the lightweight contender said, “Many people are asking me what happened and why I’m out of the fight. I injured my knee again, but Alhamdulillah, there’s no need for surgery. However, I cannot push 100%, I cannot work, cannot wrestle, cannot spar, and I have to heal up right now for a couple of months before coming back to fight.”  

After explaining his difficult condition, Rafael Fiziev revealed that he had already undergone several knee surgeries, and another one could make things even worse. So, he decided to sit this fight out. And just like that, Dana White and his team began searching for a strong replacement to keep the event intact.

Mateusz Gamrot confirmed as replacement for Rafael Fiziev   

Well, it’s not like the UFC ran out of options. Many fans wanted to see Benoît Saint-Denis face Charles Oliveira in Rio. Unfortunately, that matchup didn’t happen, as the Frenchman and his team weren’t interested in taking a short-notice fight. Surprisingly, though, featherweight contender Diego Lopes was ready to move up in weight and step inside the Octagon against a legend.

However, the promotion kept its search for Oliveira’s opponent within the lightweight division, as the No. 8-ranked Mateusz Gamrot answered the call. In an interview with the UFC, ‘Gamer’ said, “A fight with Charles Oliveira is almost the same as a title fight, so I am super-excited, super-ready, and super-focused on Saturday night. The way to a title fight through Oliveira is really great. To have (on his record) is something truly special.” 

With that, the UFC Rio main event began picking up steam, and fans and experts alike started predicting who would come out on top in this thrilling matchup.  

Fan and expert reactions to Oliveira’s fight cancellation and replacement   

After Mateusz Gamrot replaced Rafael Fiziev as Charles Oliveira’s opponent, reactions started pouring in. Some pointed out the risks of this matchup, bringing up ‘Gamer’s’ loss to Dan Hooker at UFC 305 last year, writing, “Gamrot lost to Dan Hooker, Idk what we’re talking about here.” Then there were contrary opinions, like, “Gamrot is actually a GREAT style matchup for Oliveira.” Fans have clearly been divided on this fight. But what do the experts say?

According to an ESPN article, veteran coach Din Thomas said, “Oliveira is a great opponent for Gamrot. With Gamrot’s pace and grappling abilities, this is a good matchup for him,” predicting that Gamrot won’t get submitted easily. Former UFC light-heavyweight contender Anthony Smith shared a similar take.

‘Lionheart’ stated, “I know comparing common opponents doesn’t always work, but Gamrot beat Arman Tsarukyan and Oliveira lost to Tsarukyan, who is the better wrestler. Oliveira has never been a guy who stops every takedown, and Gamrot has great counter-grappling,” which is actually true. Gamrot does have the grappling, which can create problems for Oliveira. 

As we inch closer to witnessing the fight, anticipation is at an all-time high. That said, who do you think will come out victorious at UFC Rio? Comment down below.