Speculated to face Charles do Bronx, fighter's participation in UFC Rio ruled out by team

Charles of the Bronx upon arrival at the arena in UFC 317. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC Brazil

After the news of the departure of Raphael Fiziev of the main fight of UFC Rio, some fighters, such as Renato Moicano, immediately raised their hand to replace the Kazakh and face Charles of the Bronx. Others, however, have already made it clear that they will pass. This was the case of Benoit Saint-Denis, one of the names most speculated by fans to fill the vacancy, but who, through his team, had his participation in the event on October 11th ruled out.

Through Instagram's 'stories' tool, Giom Peltier, the French athlete's manager, assured that Benoit Saint-Denis will not face Charles of the Bronx at UFC Rio. According to the agent, a fight against the Brazilian would require more preparation time.

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"Given the number of requests on this subject, I'd rather just say it straight away: there will be no BSD vs. Oliveira in October. We respect Oliveira too much to approach him that way. This type of fight requires preparation," said the manager.

With just under three weeks to go until UFC Rio, the organization has yet to finalize its opponent. Charles of the Bronx in the main fight of the event. One of the names that emerges as a favorite is that of the compatriot Renato Moicano, 11th in the ranking, who offered to replace Raphael Fiziev.

UFC Rio technical sheet

Data: October 11, 2025

Open Hours: From 17pm (Brasília time)

Location: Farmasi Arena, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

How to watch: SUPER FIGHTS LIVE In real time, UFC Fight Pass (the entire card) online.

MAIN CARD (20pm Brasília time)

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Charles of the Bronx xa define

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Deiveson Figueiredo x Montel Jackson

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Gabriel Marretinha x Randy Brown

Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Jonathan Diniz x Mario Pinto

Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Walter Walker x Mohammed Usman

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Vincent Luque x Santiago Ponzinibbio

PRELIMINARY CARD (17pm Brasília time)

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Jafel Filho x Clayton Carpenter

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Lucas Almeida x Michael Aswell

Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Victor Petrino x Thomas Petersen

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Ricardo Carcacinha x Kaan Ofli

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Lucas Fenômeno x Stewart Nicoll

Straw weight (up to 52,1 kg): Julia Polastri x Karolina Kowalkiewicz