The UFC makes its return to the spiritual home of mixed martial arts this weekend as Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil plays host to UFC Fight Night 261.

Let’s take a look at the main card action this Saturday night.

Charles Oliveira vs. Mateusz Gamrot (Lightweight)

One of the greatest Brazilian fighters to ever grace the Octagon is set to headline this weekend’s card, as Charles Oliveira (35-11 MMA, 23-11 UFC) looks to get back on track following his loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 just four months ago.

“Do Bronx” has never lost on home soil, winning all 17 of his bouts in Brazil to date. He’ll be looking to add to that record, along with the multitude of others he already holds. With 20 stoppage wins, 16 submission victories, 20 Fight Night bonuses, and 13 Performance of the Night awards, the 35-year-old will go down as one of the most entertaining fighters in UFC history.

Following the injury-related withdrawal of Rafael Fiziev a few weeks ago, Oliveira will now take on Mateusz Gamrot (25-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC). The former KSW champion has hovered on the outskirts of the UFC lightweight top 10 for some time, and at 34 years old, he may feel it’s now or never if he wants to break into the division’s elite.

Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Montel Jackson (Bantamweight)

Former two-time flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo continues his run at bantamweight when he takes on rising contender Montel Jackson in a pivotal 135-pound clash this weekend. Figueiredo (23-3-1 MMA, 12-3-1 UFC) made a solid start to life at 135 pounds – winning his first 3 fights - before falling short against both Petr Yan and Cory Sandhagen in recent months.

Standing in his way is the surging Montel Jackson (13-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC), a dangerous striker with knockout power and physical advantages in height and reach over most bantamweights. The Milwaukee native has won five of his last six fights and has collected the most knockdowns (11) in the division’s history.

Vicente Luque vs. Joel Alvarez (Welterweight)

Veteran finisher Vicente Luque returns to action this weekend in a welterweight showdown against Spanish contender Joel Álvarez, who will be making his debut at 170 pounds. Luque (22-10-1 MMA, 15-6 UFC) has long been one of the most dangerous fighters in the division, earning a reputation as a relentless striker with a killer instinct. The Brazilian has struggled for consistency in recent outings, but a win here would stabilize his place in the rankings and remind the rest of the division why he has been a perennial threat for years.

Álvarez (21-3 MMA, 5-2 UFC), known for his tall frame and slick submission game, moves up from lightweight in search of a fresh start and a healthier cut. The 6’3" Spaniard brings an impressive 100% finish rate into his welterweight debut and believes the added power and durability at 170 pounds will unlock the best version of his game.

Jhonata Diniz vs. Mario Pinto (Heavyweight)

Rising Brazilian heavyweight Jhonata Diniz looks to extend his unbeaten run when he meets Portugal’s Mario Pinto in a hard-hitting showdown. A former kickboxing standout, Diniz brings explosive power and finishing instincts, while Pinto enters hungry for an upset and a breakout moment on the big stage. Expect a fast, heavy encounter — and it may not need the judges.

Ricardo Ramos vs. Kaan Ofli (Featherweight)

Brazilian veteran Ricardo Ramos returns to the Octagon aiming to regain momentum when he faces rising Turkish-Australian prospect Kaan Ofli in a featherweight bout. Ramos brings experience and creativity, while Ofli looks to make a statement in his UFC debut. A classic test of veteran savvy vs. newcomer ambition.

Lucas Almeida vs. Michael Aswell (Featherweight)

Featherweights Lucas Almeida and Michael Aswell square off in a battle between two hungry strikers looking to climb the division ladder. Almeida enters with knockout intentions, while Aswell aims to make a name for himself with a breakout performance.

PRELIMINARY CARD

  • Jafel Filho vs. Clayton carpenter (Flyweight)
  • Vitor Petrino vs. Thomas Petersen (Heavyweight)
  • Bia Mesquita vs. Irina Alekseeva (Women’s Bantamweight)
  • Lucas Rocha vs Stewart Nicoll (Flyweight)
  • Valter Walker vs. Mohammed Usman (Heavyweight)
  • Julia Polastri vs. Karolina Kowalkiewicz (Women’s Strawweight)
  • Luan Lacerda vs. Saimon Oliveira (Bantamweight)
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