Back for their 13th visit to Rio de Janeiro, the UFC offers the city its first Fight Night card in over a decade. Taking top billing for the occasion, former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira confronts short notice opponent Mateusz Gamrot. In the co-main event, previous flyweight juggernaut Deiveson Figueiredo battles Montel Jackson.
UFC Rio Main Event
Coming off a devastating first round knockout defeat to Ilia Topuria at UFC 317, Oliveira looks to jump back into the win column with a victory in his home country of Brazil this weekend. Having once reigned atop the lightweight division with one title defense, “Do Bronxs” enters the Octagon as a massive fan-favorite of the native crowd.
Last seen in action at UFC on ESPN 68 this past May, Gamrot logged a splendid victory over Slovak competitor Ľudovít Klein, who had been enjoying a seven-fight unbeaten streak. Taking on the biggest opportunity of his UFC tenure, “Gamer” could put himself on the cusp of his first title shot with a monumental win over the legendary Brazilian.
UFC 320 Co-Main Event
In the midst of a two-bout losing skid, two-time 125-lb gold standard Figueiredo is seeking to reestablish a foothold in the immensely-stacked bantamweight class after winning his first three contests in the category. Despite recent setbacks, “Deus Da Guerra” still remains a prominent threat to anyone in the division due to his wealth of experience as a former promotional champion.
Winner of six straight tilts, Jackson is coming off of a phenomenal triumph over the once undefeated Daniel Marcos back in Iowa at UFC on ESPN 67. Crossing paths with the toughest test of his professional career, “Quik” can catapult himself into top contender status should he manage to topple the once flyweight royalty.
More Bouts On the UFC Rio Main Card
Rounding out the UFC Rio main card, welterweight standout Vicente Luque takes on Joel Álvarez, who will be making his debut at 170-lb for the first time. Then, Jhonata Diniz and Mário Pinto collide in a fun heavyweight showdown. Also, Ricardo Ramos locks horns with Ultimate Fighter alum Kaan Ofli. Finally, featherweight prospects Lucas Almeida and Michael Aswell kick off the show.
UFC Rio Predictions and Staff Picks
MMASucka staff picks are composed of four of the world’s leading mixed martial arts organizations: the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the Professional Fighters League (PFL), ONE Championship (ONE FC), and Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS).
- UFC picks will include main card fights ranging from four to six matchups per event.
- PFL picks from main cards for pay-per-views and from tournament fights in the Regular Season, Playoffs, and Finals.
- ONE FC and DWCS picks will feature all MMA fights from the event with a minimum of three matchups.
The individual who picks the most victorious fighters by the end of 2025 will have a choice between receiving a custom-made championship belt from ProAmBelts or a detailed chain from Championship Chains. Staff picks in 2023 were won by Ben Jamieson with a record of 300-148.
Find our UFC Rio picks and fight odds below.
Staff records after DWCS 85:
- Hank Strandberg: 167-94
- Drew Zuhosky: 128-133
- Frazer Krohn: 124-80
- Jeremy Brand: 123-88
- Andrew Benjamin: 32-90
*Note – not all staff pick for every event*
Michael Aswell -152
Vs.
Lucas Almeida +132
FEATHERWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Aswell by Second Round Knockout
Drew Zuhosky: Aswell by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Aswell by Second Round Knockout
Staff picking Aswell: 3
Staff picking Almeida: 0
Ricardo Ramos -200
Vs.
Kaan Ofli +170
FEATHERWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Ramos by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Ramos by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Kron: Ramos by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Ramos: 3
Staff picking Ofli: 0
Jhonata Diniz -142
Vs.
Mario Pinto +122
HEAVYWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Diniz by Second Round Knockout
Drew Zuhosky: Pinto by First Round Submission
Frazer Kron: Diniz by First Round Knockout
Staff picking Diniz: 2
Staff picking Pinto: 1
Joel Álvarez -600
Vs.
Vicente Luque +450
WELTERWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Álvarez by First Round Knockout
Drew Zuhosky: Luque by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Álvarez by Second Round Submission
Staff picking Álvarez: 2
Staff picking Luque: 1
Montel Jackson -325
Vs.
Deiveson Figueiredo +275
BANTAMWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Figueiredo by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Figueiredo by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Figueiredo by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Jackson: 0
Staff picking Figueiredo: 3
Charles Oliveira -105
Vs.
Mateusz Gamrot +115
LIGHTWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand:
Hank Strandberg: Gamrot by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Gamrot by First Round Submission
Frazer Kron: Gamrot by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Oliveira: 0
Staff picking Gamrot: 3
