Charles Oliveira stands on the verge of making more mixed martial arts history.
This Saturday, at UFC Fight Night in Rio de Janeiro, one of Brazil`s most prominent fighters will return to compete on home ground after more than five years.
Since his submission victory over Kevin Lee in Brasilia, Oliveira has achieved significant success in the lightweight division (155 pounds), highlighted by a memorable title win and reign. This period saw “Do Bronx” establish numerous UFC records, including the highest number of submissions and total finishes.
Now, as Oliveira prepares to face Mateusz Gamrot this Saturday, he has an opportunity to equal a significant record held by an MMA legend, all in front of his home crowd.
Charles Oliveira Nears Mirko Cro Cop`s Zuffa Finishes Record
Oliveira`s spectacular comeback knockout against Michael Chandler in 2022 was his 17th UFC finish, surpassing the previous record held by Donald `Cowboy` Cerrone.
He has since increased his total to 20 finishes, securing wins against notable opponents like Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Beneil Dariush. However, this impressive tally still doesn`t place “Do Bronx” at the summit of the all-time Zuffa finishes list.
When considering finishes across all Zuffa-owned promotions, including the UFC, Pride, Strikeforce, and WEC, Oliveira currently shares the second-place spot with Wanderlei Silva and Cerrone.
If Oliveira manages to finish Gamrot within the distance at UFC Rio on October 11, he will draw level with the legendary Mirko Cro Cop`s record.
Cro Cop`s impressive 21 finishes include victories over esteemed fighters such as Mark Coleman, Josh Barnett, Gabriel Gonzaga, and Kevin Randleman.
Oliveira Has Ample Time to Surpass Record, Dismissing Retirement Rumors
Even if the former UFC lightweight champion doesn`t manage to tie Cro Cop`s record in Rio, he appears to have ample time to both equal and potentially surpass it.
Following his decisive knockout loss to Ilia Topuria last June, some speculated that the popular veteran fighter might consider retirement.
However, “Do Bronx” has vehemently dismissed all discussions of retirement in anticipation of his upcoming fight.
“The retirement talk is in your guys’ head,” Oliveira stated in an interview with MMA Junkie.
“I’ve never said anything about retiring. Every interview I give, people talk ‘retirement, retirement.’ At no point have I ever thought or contemplated that, yet all the questions remain the same.”
“I’m not thinking about it,” he affirmed.
Mirko Cro Cop
UFC Rio
