Remember the last time Charles do Bronx fought in Brazil, in an empty gym because of Covid-19

Charles of the Bronx in victory over K. Lee in the UFC Brasilia. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

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After having its main fight confirmed for UFC Rio, on October 11, 2025, at Farmasi Arena, Charles of the Bronx emotionally revisits the last time he stepped into the octagon on Brazilian soil. The Brazilian returns to the country after almost five years, when, on March 14, 2020, he finished Kevin Lee at the Nilson Nelson Gymnasium in Brasília. The event was atypical and held without an audience due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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In the main event of the event, Charles applied a guillotine choke 28 seconds into the third round, after a balanced fight, which featured intense exchanges and several submission attempts.

In addition to the victory, Do Bronx broke the record for most submissions in UFC history, reaching 14, and extended his streak to seven consecutive submission victories. He also received the 'Performance of the Night' award and qualified to face Tony Ferguson.

⌛️ March 14, 2020 – Charles Oliveira VS. Kevin Lee ⌛️

Kevin Lee tombe dans le piège Do Bronx

Jiu-Jitsu Brésilien in litigation cases pic.twitter.com/EXxFQHvuTB

— Le Volk (@le_volk) March 14, 2024

Charles do Bronx asked to fight at UFC Rio

Now, five years later, the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) returns to fight in front of his home crowd in Brazil, facing Raphael Fiziev in the main fight of UFC Rio, the first edition of Fight Night in the city since 2015.

In an interview with Ag Fight, his trainer and manager Diego Lima revealed that it was Charles himself who insisted on fighting in the country, not for financial reasons, but out of a genuine desire to fight 'for his people' and reconnect with the fans who follow him.

"Charles has a great desire to fight in Brazil. He wants the community to have access to him at the hotel, backstage, and to be able to go to the fight. Today it's no longer about the money; he wants to fight for his people," said Diego Lima.

The UFC Rio announcement marks a moment of great symbolism for Charles, who is looking to bounce back after his loss to Ilia Topuria in contention for the vacant belt in June 2025.