Charles Oliveira, a former UFC lightweight champion, will headline UFC Rio on October 11, 2025, against Rafael Fiziev in a five-round main event, the UFC announced on August 7, 2025. Oliveira, returning just 105 days after a knockout loss, aims to rebuild momentum in front of his Brazilian fans, while Fiziev looks to upset him with his striking skills. Set for Rio de Janeiro’s Farmasi Arena, this 155-pound fight brings together two top contenders in a crucial matchup.
Oliveira’s Quick Turnaround
Oliveira, 35, last fought at UFC 317 on June 28, 2025, losing via first-round knockout to Ilia Topuria in a lightweight title fight. The No. 4-ranked lightweight, with a 34-11-1 record, holds UFC records for most submission wins (16) and finishes (20). A shoulder injury from late 2024 had already sidelined him before the loss.
He addressed his comeback. “I’m healthy and ready to fight for my Brazilian fans,” Oliveira told UFC.com. “Fiziev is tough, but I’m here to prove I’m still elite”.
RIO ARE YOU READY?? 🇧🇷@CharlesDoBronxs will fight in Brazil for the first time in over 5 YEARS in the #UFCRio main event against @RafaelFiziev! pic.twitter.com/S5aNZo1lW3
— UFC (@ufc) August 7, 2025
Oliveira joined the UFC in 2010, turning early losses into a dominant run. He won the lightweight title against Chandler at UFC 262 in May 2021 and defended it against Poirier before missing weight and losing the belt at UFC 274 in May 2022. A submission loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 280 followed, but Oliveira rebounded with a knockout of Dariush at UFC 289 in June 2023. After a split decision loss to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300 in April 2024, he beat Chandler at UFC 309, then lost to Topuria.
Fiziev debuted in the UFC in 2019, losing to Magomed Mustafaev but then winning six straight, including knockouts of Renato Moicano, Brad Riddell, and dos Anjos. His three-fight skid began with the Gaethje loss at UFC 286, followed by the injury against Gamrot and a short-notice rematch loss to Gaethje at UFC 313. His win over Bahamondes, using takedowns to counter the taller fighter’s range, showed growth.
Fiziev is ready for the challenge. “Charles is a legend, but I’m coming to make my mark,” he told UFC.com. “Brazil will see my best”.
With Ilia Topuria holding the lightweight title (Al Jazeera, June 28, 2025), an Oliveira win could position him for a rematch, while Fiziev could enter the top five with a victory. The UFC Rio card also features Shara Magomedov vs. Kevin Holland at middleweight and a rumored Ailin Perez vs. Norma Dumont bantamweight fight.
