Charles Oliveira's triumphant return to the octagon was overshadowed by a single, controversial moment: carrying his baby son in the cage. After a stunning victory in Rio de Janeiro, the UFC legend celebrated in a way that left fans divided. But what exactly happened, and why did it spark such a debate? Let's dive in.
'Do Bronx,' as Oliveira is known, made a triumphant comeback at UFC Fight Night, submitting Mateusz Gamrot in the second round. This was a significant win, especially considering the concerns surrounding his quick return after a brutal knockout loss to Ilia Topuria just months prior. His dominant performance against Gamrot, finishing the fight in under 10 minutes, silenced any doubts.
Following his victory, Oliveira called out Max Holloway for a rematch, a bout that would surely excite fans. But it was his post-fight celebration that truly captured attention. In a moment of apparent joy, Oliveira lifted his son, Dominic, into the air with one hand while parading him around the octagon.
And this is the part most people miss... The crowd's reaction was a mixed bag. Some fans were concerned about the safety aspect, while others saw it as a heartwarming display, even drawing comparisons to the iconic 'Lion King' scene. Social media exploded with GIFs and images from the movie, juxtaposing Oliveira's moment with the film's famous imagery.
One fan humorously commented, "He's being initiated... It might be his turn to stand on that ring someday." Another simply stated, "He's the coolest fighter on the roster, man."
Oliveira's performance extended his unbeaten record in Brazil to an impressive 7-0 against Gamrot. Holloway quickly responded to the callout, expressing interest in a rematch and hinting at lingering issues from their previous fight in 2015. A potential fight between them is likely to take place in the new year, considering Oliveira's recent fight and Holloway's recovery from a hand injury sustained in July.
But here's where it gets controversial... Beyond the celebrations, this victory was a significant milestone for Oliveira. It moved him up to second place on the all-time list for most UFC wins, with only three wins behind Jim Miller. However, Miller has had 10 more fights, giving Oliveira a real chance to claim the record.
What are your thoughts on Oliveira's post-fight celebration? Was it a harmless display of joy, or did it cross a line? Share your opinions in the comments below!
