Charles do Bronx is greeted with chants of 'champion is back' at UFC Rio open training session

Charles of the Bronx prepares for UFC Rio. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

The atmosphere was festive at the UFC Rio open training session, held this Wednesday (8), at Barra Shopping, in Barra da Tijuca. The main star of the event that takes place this Saturday (11), Charles of the Bronx was greeted with a veritable explosion of applause and chants from the Rio fans.

The former lightweight champion received a standing ovation upon entering the stage, with the crowd chanting "Charles, Charles" and "The champion is back." The charismatic Brazilian responded with smiles and waves, in one of the most emotional moments of the pre-event program.

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Meanwhile, his opponent, the Polish Mateusz gamrot, experienced the opposite atmosphere. The European was booed intensely during his performance, with shouts of "Uh, he's going to die" and chants in support of the Brazilian.

Back in Brazil for the first time since 2020, when he fought without an audience due to the pandemic, Charles of the Bronx seeks rehabilitation after defeat to Ilia TopuriaA national idol, the São Paulo native wants to show that he is still one of the most dangerous forces in the lightweight division.

Gamrot, a former two-division champion in KSW, accepted the challenge with just three weeks' notice. A wrestling specialist, the Polish fighter aims to firmly enter the UFC's elite ranks with a victory over the Brazilian.

Charles do Bronx is greeted with chants of 'champion is back' at UFC Rio open training session

Charles Oliveira arrives at the #UFCRio open workout.

The aura. pic.twitter.com/Tv7hYKNQr7

—Full Violence™ (@Full_Violence) October 8, 2025