The Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro was electric on October 11, 2025, as UFC Fight Night 261 landed in Brazil, bringing with it a night packed with drama, emotion, and high-stakes action. The UFC’s globe-trotting fall season made its third stop in as many weeks, and Brazilian fans were treated to a showcase of their homegrown talent at the highest level. At the heart of it all stood Charles Oliveira, the ex-lightweight champion, who once again proved why he’s revered in his homeland.
Oliveira, ranked fourth in the lightweight division, faced off against Mateusz Gamrot, the eighth-ranked contender who accepted the bout on short notice after Rafael Fiziev withdrew due to injury. The stakes were sky-high for both men: Oliveira was defending his unblemished record on Brazilian soil, while Gamrot was chasing a breakthrough moment in his career. The anticipation was palpable, and the crowd’s roar only intensified as the fighters made their way to the octagon.
From the opening bell, Oliveira set the tone. He quickly reversed a takedown attempt from Gamrot, showing the kind of poise and technical mastery that has made him the UFC’s all-time leader in finishes, submissions, and performance bonuses. The Brazilian wasted no time in hunting for submissions, keeping the Polish challenger on the defensive throughout the first round. As the second round began, Oliveira ramped up the pressure, scoring a takedown of his own before expertly snaking his left arm around Gamrot’s chin. At 2:48 into the round, Gamrot was forced to tap, marking Oliveira’s 32nd career finish and cementing his status as a legend on home turf.
The celebration that followed was nothing short of euphoric. Oliveira leaped over the cage to embrace his family and supporters, basking in the adulation of a crowd that had witnessed yet another chapter in his storied career. As the official announcement echoed through the arena, Oliveira took the microphone and set his sights on a new challenge, calling for a fight with Max Holloway for the UFC’s coveted “BMF” belt. “I’m trying to hold back the tears right now,” Oliveira said, his voice thick with emotion. “This isn’t about money, fame, status. This is Brazil.”
For Mateusz Gamrot, the night was a harsh lesson in the unforgiving world of elite MMA. Stepping in on short notice, Gamrot knew the risks, but he was determined to seize the opportunity. Unfortunately, the loss marked his first career stoppage defeat, dropping his professional record to 25-5, with an 8-5 mark in the UFC. The setback raised questions about his future trajectory, especially as he approaches his mid-30s. Is this the ceiling for the Polish contender, or can he regroup and mount another charge toward the division’s elite? The coming months will be crucial for Gamrot as he looks to rebound from this pivotal moment.
The main event wasn’t the only highlight of the evening. The co-main event featured Deiveson Figueiredo, a former two-time flyweight champion, taking on Montel Jackson in a bantamweight clash. Figueiredo, known for his aggressive style and finishing ability, edged out Jackson in a tightly contested split decision, with two judges scoring the bout 29-28 in his favor. Analyst Michael Bisping summed up Jackson’s performance, saying, “It’s just a little bit too little. It’s just not enough output. Every time you throw a shot you take a chance. Every time you take a shot you leave an opening, and you can get clipped. I understand, but this is ultimately what we’ve signed up for. You’ve got to take chances, take risks, create opportunities.”
Elsewhere on the main card, Joel Álvarez made a successful welterweight debut against veteran Vicente Luque. Despite an early left hook that appeared to have Luque in serious trouble, confusion from the referee allowed the fight to continue, and Álvarez had to settle for a unanimous decision victory. “I’m not satisfied. We’re always looking to finish,” Álvarez admitted. “I think it was a legal strike, but Vicente is tough. He came back into the fight.”
Heavyweight prospect Mario Pinto continued his ascent with a dominant TKO victory over Jhonata Diniz, showcasing both his ground game and striking prowess. Pinto, who trains alongside heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, notched his 11th straight professional win and his second in the UFC, declaring, “That’s three finishes. I’m not in this to take part. I’m here to put my name on the map.”
Kaan Ofli played the role of visiting villain to perfection, silencing the Rio crowd by submitting local favorite Ricardo Ramos in the first round. Ofli, an underdog coming in, relished the hostile environment and made his mark with his 13th career win and first UFC victory. “I came in here, betting underdog, back against the wall,” he said. “If there’s anyone prepared for adversity it’s me. I knew (a finish) was gonna come sooner or later.”
The Brazilian contingent shone throughout the card. Michael Aswell Jr. recorded his first UFC win by TKO over Lucas Almeida, Bia Mesquita maintained her unbeaten record with a rear-naked choke of Irina Alekseeva, and Luan Lacerda earned his first UFC victory by submitting Saimon Oliveira with a vicious armbar. The preliminary bouts saw more local triumphs, with Jafel Filho, Vitor Petrino, and Julia Polastri all delivering memorable finishes.
Behind the scenes, the financial narrative added another layer of intrigue. While the UFC no longer discloses exact fighter salaries, estimates indicate that Oliveira earned between $750,000 and $800,000 for his main event performance, plus a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus. Gamrot, stepping in on short notice, likely took home around $300,000, a significant bump from his usual purse. Figueiredo’s payday reportedly landed in the $250,000 to $300,000 range, while veterans like Luque earned similar amounts. Additionally, the UFC handed out four $50,000 Performance of the Night bonuses, with Oliveira, Petrino, Mesquita, and Polastri all benefiting from their standout performances.
As the dust settles on UFC Fight Night 261, the Brazilian faithful can celebrate another night of homegrown dominance, while the rest of the MMA world ponders the shifting landscape at lightweight and beyond. Charles Oliveira’s star continues to rise, and with a potential “BMF” showdown on the horizon, the excitement shows no sign of slowing down. For Gamrot and the rest of the night’s warriors, the journey continues—each fight, each finish, another step in the relentless pursuit of greatness.
