The UFC is back in Brazil and features Charles do Bronx in the main event , one of the most popular and admired athletes by fans around the world. This Saturday (11), in Rio de Janeiro, the veteran faces Mateusz Gamrot , Rafael Fiziev 's replacement , in a duel of extreme importance for the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg). The Brazilian enters the octagon aiming to recover from the tough defeat suffered against Ilia Topuria , in June. In total, the event consists of 12 fights, with Chute Boxe team member Diego Lima as the protagonist.
Besides Charles in the main fight, UFC Rio will test several local athletes against the rest of the world. To the fans' dismay, Valter Walker , one of the event's highlights, left the card on Thursday night (9), because Mohammed Usman , his opponent, was unable to compete. In any case, the show promises strong emotions. To get in the mood, the SUPER LUTAS team has selected five reasons to watch the spectacle.
1) Charles and the public's affection
Charles do Bronx celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
As expected, Charles do Bronx has Brazilian fans at his feet. After the athlete was announced in the main fight of UFC Rio, tickets sold out quickly. Another proof of the veteran's success was what happened at the open training session, held last Wednesday (8), at Barra Shopping. The former champion of the company was cheered by the public and was moved by the affection he received.
It's worth highlighting that Do Bronx insisted on fighting in Brazil, even in a smaller event, precisely to reciprocate all the support he received from his fans. Therefore, with the Brazilian happy and motivated, the expectation for the duel against Gamrot is the best possible. In his last fight, Charles was knocked out by Ilia Topuria in the first round, but saw UFC Rio as the ideal opportunity to recover. Currently, the former lightweight champion is ranked fourth. The Polish fighter is number eight in the division and aims to break into the top 5.
2) Deiveson in search of recovery
Deiveson focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
Just like Charles, Deiveson Figueiredo is looking to take advantage of playing at home to get back on the winning track in the UFC. Currently, the former flyweight champion (up to 57 kg) is going through a rough patch (two consecutive losses) in the bantamweight division (up to 61,2 kg). Nevertheless, the Brazilian hasn't lost his confidence. So much so that the veteran ignored the losing streak, guaranteed he's more than ready to beat Montel Jackson , who is riding a six-fight winning streak, and warned that his target is Merab Dvalishvili , the dominant champion in the division.
3) Welterweight War
Luque and Álvarez have a tense staredown at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
UFC Rio will treat MMA fans to a violent spectacle. In the third most important fight of the event, Vicente Luque will face Joel Álvarez in the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg). In fact, the probability of both fighters winning the 'Fight of the Night' or 'Performance of the Night' bonus is high.
Over the years, Luque has captivated fans with his exciting style and ability to win by both knockout and submission. In his career, the Brazilian has 23 wins, only three of which were by judges' decision. The Spaniard, on the other hand, is even more lethal. Álvarez has 22 wins, all by quick victory. With such statistics, this bout has every chance of stealing the show at the event.
4) New generation in heavyweight
Petrino behind the scenes at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
While UFC Rio may have lost Valter Walker , two other heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) fights deserve fans' attention. On the main card, Jhonata Diniz , a striking specialist, faces Portuguese knockout artist Mário Pinto, undefeated in MMA. In the preliminary card, Vitor Petrino faces Thomas Petersen in another fight that has all the makings of a knockout. Furthermore, there's a chance the winners will move closer to the top 15 in the division.
5) Bia Mesquita's debut
Bia Mesquita backstage at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
Keep an eye on her! Jiu-jitsu legend and multi-champion Bia Mesquita will make her UFC debut. The Brazilian will face Irina Alekseeva on the preliminary card and is considered the favorite to win. It's worth noting that the athlete is new to the company, but she's already making waves in MMA. The grappling specialist has won all five of her fights in the sport and was the LFA champion. Therefore, the expectation is that Bia will impress at UFC Rio and be a force to be reckoned with in the bantamweight division (up to 61,2 kg).
UFC Rio technical sheet
Date: 11 October 2025
Time: From 17pm (Brasília time)
Location: Farmasi Arena, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
How to watch: SUPER FIGHTS LIVE in real time, UFC Fight Pass (entire card) online.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Charles Do Bronx vs. Mateusz Gamrot
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Montel Jackson
Middleweight (up to 77,1 kg): Vicente Luque vs. Joel Álvarez
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Jhonata Diniz vs. Mario Pinto
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Ricardo Ramos x Kaan Ofli
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Lucas Almeida vs. Michael Aswell Jr.
PRELIMINARY CARD (17pm Brasília time)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Jafel Filho vs. Clayton Carpenter
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Vitor Petrino vs. Thomas Petersen
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Bia Mesquita vs. Irina Alekseeva
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Lucas Rocha vs. Stewart Nicoll
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Valter Walker vs. Mohammed Usman – fight cancelled
Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Julia Polastri x Karolina Kowalkiewicz
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Luan Lacerda vs. Saimon Oliveira
Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.
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