Introduction
Do Bronx is back in Brazil for the first time in over five years to take on Rafael Fiziev at UFC Rio on October 11, 2025. The fans in Rio de Janeiro are sure to bring lots of energy. This is a big moment for Charles Oliveira, who is a former UFC lightweight champion. This fight could help him get back in the title chase. But if he loses, things might get harder for him from now on. Let’s look at why Charles Oliveira vs Rafael Fiziev fight is important, what Do Bronx has to win or lose in the UFC, and what could happen when these two step into the octagon.
The lightweight division has big stars such as Islam Makhachev, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje. Do Bronx, who is 35 and holds a 35-11 record, is loved by fans. He gives people exciting fights and has more submission wins than anyone else. After losing some fights, this match against Fiziev matters a lot. If he wins, he is back talking about the title. If he loses, things get hard for him. Here’s a closer look at Do Bronx’s journey, the person he will face, and why this fight means so much.
Charles Oliveira’s UFC Story
From Tough Beginnings to Champion
Charles Oliveira’s life shows hard work and heart. He grew up in the favelas in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He joined the UFC in 2010 when he was only 20. At first, things were not easy for him. He had a 6-4 record in his first ten fights. Some people did not think he could get to the top. But, Oliveira proved those people wrong. From 2018 to 2021, he had an amazing 11-fight win streak. He closed it out with a knockout win over Michael Chandler at UFC 262. That fight made him the lightweight champ.
Oliveira had only a short time as champion, but it was a good one. He kept his title when he fought Dustin Poirier and won with his great grappling. But in 2022, he lost the belt to Islam Makhachev at UFC 280. After that, things have been up and down for him. He had a hard loss to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300 in 2024. Now, Oliveira wants to show he still can fight at the top level.
Why This Fight Is Huge
This fight with Fiziev is not just another fight for Oliveira. It means a lot to him. He wants to show he’s still one of the top fighters in the lightweight division. Right now, he is 35. This is not old, but time goes fast in MMA because it is so hard. If Oliveira wins in Rio with his people cheering, he could get another chance to fight for the title. But if he loses, he could drop down in rank. People might start to think his best days are in the past.
Meet Rafael Fiziev
Who Is Rafael Fiziev?
Rafael Fiziev has a 13-4 record and is known as one of the most exciting fighters in the lightweight division. He is very good at Muay Thai and really knows how to get knockouts. His knockouts always get people talking. Fiziev has fought tough fighters, like Justin Gaethje. He did not always win, but he showed he can be in there with the best. He beat Brad Riddell and Rafael dos Anjos, showing that he is not just good but a real threat to anyone.
Fiziev hits hard and fast, and this could be a problem for Oliveira. Oliveira likes to fight on the ground. But Fiziev has worked on stopping takedowns. It might be tough for Oliveira to get him down. Fiziev is 31 years old and at his best. He wants to win big and maybe get into the top five.
What Makes Fiziev Dangerous
- Awesome Striking: Fiziev’s Muay Thai background means he’s got killer punches and kicks that can end a fight in a flash.
- Non-Stop Energy: He keeps coming forward, throwing a ton of strikes to wear opponents down.
- Solid Takedown Defense: Fiziev’s gotten better at stopping takedowns, which could keep the fight where he’s strongest—on the feet.
- Youth and Drive: At 31, he’s young, motivated, and ready to make a name for himself by beating a legend like Oliveira.
Breaking Down Charles Oliveira vs. Rafael Fiziev
The Striking Game
Oliveira has really improved the way he fights on his feet. He is no longer known only for his work on the ground. He knocked out Michael Chandler and was able to stand and trade punches with Poirier. But Fiziev is better when it comes to fighting while standing up. He has fast hands, strong leg kicks, and mixes his moves in ways that are hard to guess. These things could be a problem for Oliveira, since he has taken a lot of hard punches in his last few fights.
To win, Oliveira has to stay out of a kickboxing fight. He will use jabs and low kicks to move in. Then he will try to take Fiziev down. Fiziev, on the other hand, will try to keep him away. He will use strikes on Oliveira and stay out of the clinch.
Grappling and Submissions
Oliveira’s grappling is what helps him stand out in UFC. He has more wins from moves like chokes and triangles than anyone else in the UFC, with a total of 16. He can be very tough to fight against when he is lying on his back, as he always looks for chances to grab his opponents. Fiziev can also handle himself well on the mat.
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Other Factors
- Home Crowd Boost: Fighting in Rio with the Brazilian fans cheering him on could give Oliveira a big lift.
- Experience Edge: With 46 pro fights, Oliveira’s been in the octagon way more than Fiziev, who’s got 17 fights.
- Mental Toughness: Oliveira’s bounced back from tough losses before, while Fiziev’s still proving himself in big main events.
- What’s on the Line: For Oliveira, this is about staying in the title hunt. For Fiziev, it’s a chance to break into the elite.
What’s at Stake for Charles Oliveira’s UFC Future?
A Shot at the Title
If Oliveira wins against Fiziev, it will say a lot. The lightweight division has many top fighters like Tsarukyan, Gaethje, and Poirier. But if Oliveira gets a big win, especially if he finishes the fight by making Fiziev tap out, he could have a shot at the title again. The UFC likes fighters who get people excited, and Oliveira’s wild way of fighting gets a lot of fans behind him, especially people in Brazil. That helps him be the kind of star the UFC wants to show off.
What Happens If He Loses?
A loss to Fiziev would be bad for Oliveira. He is 35, so there is still time, but the lightweight division changes quickly. If he loses, he could drop in the rankings. Then he might have to fight some younger fighters instead of the ones close to the title. This is not what a champion wants. He is still known as one of the best at getting wins with submissions, but staying at the top depends on beating guys like Fiziev.
How Long Can He Keep Going?
Oliveira said he wants to still fight for a few more years. But the MMA game is tough. The way he fights is quick and strong. He tries to get submissions, but he gets hit a lot doing it. This can slow him down over time. If he wins in Rio, he will still be at his best. If he loses, he may start to think about going up to welterweight or picking easier fights.
Why UFC Rio 2025 Is Must-See
The Brazilian Vibe
UFC Rio always feels different. The Brazilian fans are some of the loudest anywhere in the world. They will show up and cheer for Oliveira, who is their hometown hero. On X, people are talking a lot about this fight. Fans say it will be a great one and are ready to see lots of action. Oliveira has not fought in Brazil since 2020. So, his return will be very exciting.
Lightweight Division Shake-Up
The lightweight division is always moving. Makhachev is the champ right now. But Tsarukyan and Gaethje are both ready for their chance. If Oliveira wins, he may get back to fight for the title soon. If Fiziev wins, he will be a new name many will talk about. No matter who wins, this fight will change where things go.
Guaranteed Excitement
Oliveira and Fiziev always give it their all in the cage. Oliveira is great at getting submissions, and Fiziev is known for his knockouts. This fight is a true battle between someone good at grappling and someone good at striking. It could finish with a tap-out or a knockout, so don’t look away for even a second.
How Oliveira Can Win
Here’s what Oliveira needs to do to get the W:
- Get Close: Use jabs and low kicks to close the distance and set up takedowns.
- Mix It Up: Look for submissions in scrambles, where he’s at his best.
- Attack the Body: Fiziev’s high guard leaves his body open, so body shots could slow him down.
- Stay Smart: Don’t get sucked into a striking battle where Fiziev has the edge.
- Use His Experience: Lean on his veteran know-how to control the fight’s pace.
How Fiziev Can Win
Fiziev’s game plan to beat Oliveira:
- Kick the Legs: Target Oliveira’s lead leg to slow him down and stop takedowns.
- Keep Distance: Stay out of the clinch and pick Oliveira apart from range.
- Find Weaknesses: Oliveira’s striking defense isn’t perfect, so Fiziev can land big shots.
- Stop Takedowns: Shut down Oliveira’s wrestling early to keep the fight standing.
- Push Hard: Keep the pressure on to tire Oliveira out late in the fight.
Conclusion
Charles Oliveira’s fight against Rafael Fiziev at UFC Rio on October 11, 2025, is a big moment for “Do Bronx.” He will fight in Brazil for the first time in more than five years. This is his chance to show that he is still one of the top lightweights in the world. If he wins, he could get back into the title race. But, if he loses, things will get harder for him. Fiziev has very strong striking and he keeps getting better, so this is a fight that people will want to see.
Will Oliveira be able to use his grappling skills to make Fiziev tap out, or will Fiziev use his striking to win the fight? The lightweight division will be watching this, and you should too. Tune in to UFC Rio because this will be a big night.
Who do you think will win-Oliveira or Fiziev? Will “Do Bronx” make his way back to the title, or is Fiziev about to become the next big star? Tell us what you think in the comments. Sign up for our blog to get more UFC news and fight updates!