Are Fans Writing off the Former Lightweight Champion?
Charles Oliveira was once the most terrifying man in the entire Lightweight Division. He was on a path of destruction as he would submit or knock out his opponents on his way to becoming the Lightweight Champion. Ever since he lost the title to Islam Makhachev, he has been overlooked and the underdog in almost all of his fights. He recently fought for the vacated Lightweight Championship and was knocked out in the first round by Ilia Topuria. That fight was only a few months ago, and fans are wondering if ‘Du Bronx’ has given himself enough time to heal and recover. He was scheduled to take on Rafael Fiziev, but due to an injury, he is now facing Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Brazil. Can ‘Do Bronxs’ show why he still should be considered one of the elites, or will Gamrot finally get his statement win to put himself in the title picture?
Charles Oliveira has compiled one of the most impressive overall resumes of all time. The names he has faced and the names he has beaten have made him a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He was overlooked for a long time until he dominated Tony Ferguson in 2020. That impressive victory earned him a title shot against newcomer Michael Chandler. Oliveira was able to overcome early adversity and knock out Chandler in round two with a pinpoint left hook. Even though he was champion, he was still the underdog in his next two title defenses against Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje. He was able to submit both of them by rear-naked choke, solidifying himself as an all-time great. Since losing the belt to Islam, he has been up and down, getting a win and then a loss consistently. His chin has always been a problem, and after that brutal knockout he suffered against Ilia, a matchup against Fizev could have ended poorly for him. This matchup favors him much more. Gamrot doesn’t have good striking and power, but his wrestling and cardio could be a problem. However, on the ground, there is no one better than Charles, so a few submission attempts could deter Gamrot from shooting, or he could submit him if he makes the slightest of mistakes.
Mateusz Gamrot in 2022 looked poised to be fighting for a title in the near future after his main event victory over Arman Tsarukyan. However, he has consistently set himself back with losses to Beneil Dariush and Dan Hooker. He says no one wants to fight him, but the fights he does get to help propel him forward, he has lost. His cardio and wrestling will always be a problem because he will keep shooting until he finally secures a takedown. His striking has improved over the years, but I’m not sure it’s good enough to make him competitive against the elites of the division who can grapple. On paper, it is a bad matchup for him, but a fight he has to take if he wants to move forward in the division against a legend and a former champion like Oliveira. Charles may not have fully recovered from it, and Gamrot could use that to load up on a big shot, and if he hits Charles on the chin, he may be able to either do significant damage or knock him out. Grappling consistently with Charles doesn’t look like the smartest move and one that can be effective consistently for five rounds, but if he is relentless enough, he may be able to surprise everyone.
This is going to be a grappling exhibition for the most part. However, on the feet, Charles holds a distinct advantage in the overall striking ability and power. If he can stuff the takedowns, he will be able to get his offense going and could put Gamrot away. If he can’t stop the takedowns, Gamrot could ride out a decision victory with his activity and his relentless wrestling. Whichever way this fight goes, you're not going to want to miss it and all the other action for UFC Brazil on October 11th.
