Former UFC Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira Faces fellow ranked contender Mateusz Gamrot Saturday in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Rio de Janeiro (7 p.m. ET on ESPN+, prelims at 4 p.m. ET).
Oliveira (35-11, 1 NC) last fought in June in an unsuccessful attempt to regain the title and lost Ilya Topuria By knockout in the first round. Brazilian Oliveira, who has yet to lose in his last five UFC bouts in his country, is ranked No. 3 espn lightweight rankings,
Ninth-ranked Gamerot (25-3, 1 NC) has won four of his last five fights, most recently by unanimous decision. Ludovit Klein In May.
ESPN MMA analysts Deen Thomas and Anthony Smith provide their main event predictions, and ESPN betting expert Ian Parker adds insight on the value bets available on the fight card.
light main event
Oliveira is a great opponent for Gamrot. With Gamrot’s speed and grappling ability, this is a good matchup for him, as I don’t think he’s going to submit. Therefore, he can impose his will, fight, stay out of trouble and pester Oliveira for decisions. –Deen Thomas
I know comparing common opponents doesn’t always work, but Gamerot nailed it Arman Tsarukyan And Oliveira lost to Zarukyan, who is the better wrestler. Oliveira has never been a guy who blocks every takedown, and Gamrot has a great counter fight. Gamerot is able to struggle and stay out of trouble. If he wasn’t able to take Oliveira down, it would be a different story, because I think Gamrot would land on his feet. But Oliveira would not be able to stop Gamrot’s wrestling, and Gamrot would stick out submission attempts and defeat Oliveira. –Anthony Smith
betting analysis
Odds are accurate as of October 9th. For the latest odds, visit ESPN BET.
Parker: Gamrot to win (-105) Moving on short notice, Gamerot is getting a career-changing opportunity against Oliveira in the Fight Night main event. Gamrot has the wrestling and speed to pressure and frustrate Oliveira if he can get the fight to the ground early and often. On the feet, Oliveira is the better striker and has knockout power, but after a KO loss in June, I’m not sure his chin can handle much. Oliveira is a submission ace, but he doesn’t generally get submissions, and I expect him to for the majority of this fight. I’m taking Gamerot to score an upset.
Parker’s best bets on the rest of the card
0:51
Montel Jackson Wastes No Time In Round 1 With Incredible Knockout
Montel Jackson needed just 18 seconds and one incredible punch to defeat Da’Mon Blackshear at UFC Fight Night.
Men’s Bantamweight: Deiveson Figueiredo versus montel jackson
Jackson Will Win (-300): If Jackson can get a win over former UFC flyweight champion Figueiredo in Brazil, this could be his comeback party. Losing to Figueiredo Corey SandhagenDuring which he suffered a knee injury, so a fight against a young, hungry Jackson may not be the most favorable matchup for his return. Look for Jackson to push forward and use his speed to take out Figueiredo.
heavy loads: Jhonatta Diniz versus mario pinto
Diniz’s win (-130): Unless Pinto takes Diniz down quickly and either submits him or holds him down for 15 minutes, it’s hard to imagine that he can defeat Diniz in a surprise fight. Diniz is not only the better striker, but he has also fought high-level competition and will not be surprised when his opponent tries to take him down early. Expect Diniz to defend the takedown early and keep the fight going en route to his fourth UFC victory.
Welterweight: vicente luque versus joel alvarez
Alvarez wins by KO/TKO: Alvarez will make the jump to the 170-pound division, and what an addition he could be. Alvarez is a complete warrior and an incredible striker with KO power. He faces seasoned veteran Luke in what should be a fun fight – while it lasts. Luke will try to defeat Alvarez, but I don’t think he will have much success, which will force him to stand and throw punches in hopes of defeating Alvarez. Ultimately, I think Alvarez’s pressure and power will be too much for Luke, and Alvarez will get the finish early.
