It’s official: after Rafael Fiziev withdrew injured, Mateusz Gamrot steps in to face Charles Oliveira atop UFC Rio on Oct 11 at Farmasi Arena, Rio de Janeiro. The UFC announced the new headliner this week; ESPN and MMA media confirmed the switch. ESPN+1
Quick facts
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Main event: Charles Oliveira vs. Mateusz Gamrot, lightweight (5 rounds). MMA Fighting
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Date / venue: Sat, Oct 11, 2025 — Farmasi Arena, Rio de Janeiro (BRA). UFC
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Why the change: Fiziev out with injury; Gamrot replaces on short notice. MMA Fighting+1
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U.S. broadcast & times (ESPN+): Prelims 4:00 p.m. ET, Main card 7:00 p.m. ET. ESPN.com
Timeline (fast)
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Last week: reports confirm Fiziev is out injured. MMA Fighting
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Tuesday: UFC announces Oliveira vs. Gamrot as the new main event; Gamrot had publicly pushed for the spot. MMA Fighting
Who is Mateusz Gamrot (and why he’s dangerous)
Former KSW double champ with a grinding style: chain wrestling, fence pressure, and long scrambles. He’s 4–1 in his last five UFC bouts and arrives with five-round experience. MMA Fighting
What changes for “Do Bronx” — matchup keys
Before (vs. Fiziev): mostly striker-vs-striker, footwork and mid-range kicking.
Now (vs. Gamrot): entries, fence clinch, and takedown chains.
3 swing factors for Oliveira
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First-layer TDD in space — sprawl and threaten the front-headlock/guillotine when Gamrot changes levels.
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Against the fence — win the underhook and turn quickly; don’t concede long half-guard rides.
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Purposeful volume — jab/teep to disrupt entries and force resets in the center (where Oliveira’s striking and back-take threats spike).
Translation: more center-cage & snapshots of submission danger favors Oliveira; more wall time & positional control favors Gamrot. (Tactical read.)
Card notes (at a glance)
The Rio lineup is still shuffling, with a fresh co-feature added: Vicente Luque vs. Joel Álvarez after Ponzinibbio’s withdrawal. Expect bout order/promo assets to update around the new poster. MMAmania.com
How to watch
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United States: ESPN+ — Prelims 4:00 p.m. ET, Main card 7:00 p.m. ET. ESPN.com
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Elsewhere: check your regional UFC broadcast partner.
FAQ
Is this still a five-rounder? Yes—booked as a 5-round lightweight main event. MMA Fighting
Why Gamrot? Healthy, campaigning for the slot, and a top-tier style matchup for a Rio headliner. MMA Fighting
With Mateusz Gamrot stepping in, UFC Rio keeps a high-stakes, style-clash main event: Oliveira’s elite finishing instincts versus Gamrot’s relentless wrestling. Pencil in the times above and get ready for five rounds of tactical pressure in Rio. MMA Fighting+1
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Comment: what’s the best adjustment for “Do Bronx” vs. Gamrot’s chain wrestling?
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