Charles Oliveira has announced he is returning to the UFC on October 11 to face Rafael Fiziev.
The fight will mark Oliveira’s first since he was knocked out by Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 in June.
Oliveira, a former UFC lightweight champion, lost his second attempt at reclaiming the belt at 155lb when he was brutally knocked out by Topuria in the Las Vegas main event.
However, ‘Do Bronxs’ wants to prove he can still compete at championship level by overcoming No. 10-ranked lightweight Fiziev unscathed.
The 35-year-old will make his return in Brazil, where he fights for the first time since March 2020, for UFC Rio, and he couldn’t be any happier.
What did Charles Oliveira say about his UFC return?
“Dana White, Hunter [Campbell], Sean Shelby – thank you for fulfilling my request,” Oliveira said on Instagram in an announcement video thanking his UFC bosses.
“I’ll tell you all now. October 11, at UFC Rio. Charles Oliveira vs Fiziev, the main event of the evening.
“I’m very, very, very happy about all this. I am counting on the positive energy of you all.
“Let’s be there together in this positive mood, so that everything works out.”
Oliveira vs Fiziev will headline UFC Rio in October and no other bouts have been announced for the card.
“I’m so happy,” Oliveira continued.
“Some will say one thing, others will say another, but it’s been a long, long time since I fought in Brazil.
“And being able to fight again in Brazil is very important to me. To carry our flag in a gigantic manner. I am counting on the positive energy of all of you.”
Oliveira’s opponent, Fiziev bounced back from a three-fight losing skid in June by outpointing Ignacio Bahamondes in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The 32-year-old won six successive bouts in the UFC after tasting defeat on his promotional debut in April 2019.
‘Ataman’ had lost to Justin Gaethje and fellow top-ranked lightweight Mateusz Gamrot, before he defeated Bahamondes.
Oliveira, meanwhile, has the most performance bonuses in UFC history with 20 overall.
He has recorded three Knockouts of the Night, four Fight of the Night honours, and 13 Performance of the Night bonuses during his illustrious career.
