Get ready for a historic moment in MMA—Charles Oliveira is on the cusp of tying a legendary record held by none other than Mirko Cro Cop, and it’s happening right in his backyard at UFC Rio. But here’s where it gets even more thrilling: this isn’t just about breaking records; it’s about a fighter’s resilience, legacy, and the electrifying energy of a hometown crowd. Let’s dive in.
This Saturday’s UFC Fight Night in Rio de Janeiro marks a monumental return for one of Brazil’s most celebrated fighters. After more than five years, Charles Oliveira is finally stepping back into the Octagon on home soil, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Since his submission victory over Kevin Lee in Brasilia—a fight that etched an unfortunate yet eerie piece of UFC history—Oliveira has skyrocketed to greatness in the 155-pound division. His memorable title win and subsequent reign have solidified his status as a legend, holding records for the most submissions and overall finishes in UFC history. But this weekend, he’s aiming for something even bigger.
When Oliveira faces Mateusz Gamrot, he’ll have the chance to tie Mirko Cro Cop’s record for the most finishes in Zuffa history—a record that spans the UFC, Pride, Strikeforce, and WEC. And this is the part most people miss: Oliveira is just one finish away from matching Cro Cop’s 21 finishes, a feat that includes victories over MMA icons like Mark Coleman, Josh Barnett, Gabriel Gonzaga, and Kevin Randleman. If Oliveira can stop Gamrot inside the distance, he’ll not only equal Cro Cop’s record but also cement his place in MMA immortality—all in front of his adoring Brazilian fans.
But here’s the controversial part: Is Oliveira’s pursuit of this record overshadowing the fact that he’s coming off a brutal knockout loss to Ilia Topuria? Some fans argue that his recent defeat raises questions about his durability and whether he’s still the same fighter who dominated Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Beneil Dariush. Others believe this is exactly the kind of challenge Oliveira thrives on—proving the doubters wrong. What do you think? Is Oliveira still at the peak of his powers, or is this record attempt a step too far?
Adding fuel to the fire, Oliveira has firmly shut down retirement rumors, telling MMA Junkie, ‘The retirement talk is in your guys’ head. I’ve never said anything about retiring.’ His determination is undeniable, but the question remains: Can he deliver under pressure? Even if he falls short this weekend, Oliveira has time to chase—and break—this record. But will he? And should he?
As we count down to UFC Rio, one thing is certain: this fight is more than just a bout—it’s a battle for legacy. Will Oliveira tie Cro Cop’s record, or will Gamrot spoil the party? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. This is one fight you won’t want to miss!
