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Charles Oliveira headlines UFC Rio against Rafael Fiziev

Originally posted on MMA Weekly | By Jeff Cain | Last updated Aug 7, 2025 2:13 PM ET

The octagon returns to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Oct. 11 with a fight card headlined by former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira (35-11, 1 NC) and No. 10 ranked Rafael Fiziev (13-4). The fight promotion made the announcement on Thursday.

Oliveira requested to be on the fight card and UFC matchmakers granted his wish. "Do Bronx" last fought on June 28, losing to Ilia Topuria via knockout for the vacant 155-pound title. Since losing to Islam Makhachev in October 2022, Oliveira has struggled to put together back-to-back wins. He'll look to rebound from the loss to Topuria against "Ataman."

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

Fiziev is coming off a unanimous decision win over Ignacio Carabantes in his last fight on June 21. Prior to the win, the 32 year-old has dropped three straight. A win over Oliveira would be the biggest win over his career.

UFC Fight Night 261 takes place at Farmasi Arena and will be the fight promotion's 13th visit to Rio de Janeiro.

Oliveira confirmed the news via social media video. It's been five years since he's competed in his home country of Brazil.

Charles Oliveira just announced he’s fighting Rafael Fiziev in the main event at UFC Rio on October 11th pic.twitter.com/3poX0eklrA
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) August 7, 2025