Charles Oliveira has set his sights on a future UFC lightweight title opportunity, provided he successfully defends his BMF championship against Diego Lopes at UFC 335. The event is scheduled to take place on December 12 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The Brazilian fighter, known as "Do Bronxs," views his upcoming main event as a pivotal step in his career. Should he emerge victorious against Lopes, Oliveira believes he should be positioned at the front of the queue for a shot at the 155-pound title.
Oliveira acknowledged the standing of other contenders in the division, specifically mentioning Arman Tsarukyan. However, he argued that his own profile and ability to generate interest make him a more compelling candidate for a high-profile championship bout.
"I think Arman is there to fight for the title. However, if we're going to talk about name value, what do I think? I think I sell a lot more than Arman. So I could move ahead of Arman," Oliveira stated.
Regarding the current state of the lightweight division, Oliveira noted the uncertainty surrounding the reigning champion, Justin Gaethje. Gaethje secured the undisputed title after a victory over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250, but his future remains subject to speculation.
Oliveira expressed that he is prepared to wait for clarity regarding Gaethje's intentions. He stated that if the champion decides to retire, he would be ready to compete for the vacant belt, potentially against Tsarukyan, should the opportunity arise.
The BMF champion maintained a respectful tone when discussing Gaethje's potential retirement. He noted that he would support whatever decision the champion makes, acknowledging the significant history and memorable performances Gaethje has contributed to the sport.
"I think Justin Gaethje needs to see what the path is, whether he's going to fight or not, whether he's going to retire, so we can understand what the next step is," Oliveira said regarding the champion's uncertain status.
Oliveira added that if Gaethje chooses to continue his career, he would receive a standing ovation for his contributions. He emphasised that the decision rests entirely with the champion, and he remains ready to face whoever holds the gold.
While Oliveira remains focused on his own path, the upcoming bout against Lopes has generated significant discussion among his peers. Esteban Ribovics, a fellow lightweight contender, has offered a contrasting prediction for the December showdown.
Ribovics, who has trained with Lopes in the past, believes the challenger possesses the durability required to upset the BMF champion. He highlighted Lopes' chin as a critical factor that could allow him to withstand Oliveira's attacks.
"Both have good jiu-jitsu, but I think Diego has the chin. In those exchanges, we've seen Oliveira fall several times," Ribovics explained. He suggested that Lopes' ability to absorb punishment could lead to a decisive moment in the five-round contest.
Despite Lopes moving up from the featherweight division to compete at 155 pounds, Ribovics does not believe size will be a disadvantage. He recalled training with Lopes and noted that the fighter demonstrated sufficient strength to compete at the higher weight class.
Ribovics himself is currently building momentum in the division, having secured back-to-back stoppage victories over Edson Barboza and King Green. He expressed his own ambition to compete for the BMF title in the near future, citing his aggressive style.
The UFC 335 card continues to take shape as the end of the year approaches. In addition to the main event, the promotion has confirmed several other matchups, including a women's flyweight bout between Maycee Barber and Carli Judice.
The event will also feature a flyweight contest between Brandon Moreno and Charles Johnson. These additions highlight the depth of the card as the UFC prepares to conclude its 2026 schedule at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Oliveira’s pursuit of the lightweight title comes at a time of significant movement within the division. With various contenders vying for attention, the BMF champion is determined to prove his relevance through his performance in the cage.
The BMF title, which Oliveira currently holds, has become a focal point for several fighters looking to elevate their status. Ribovics noted that the belt aligns perfectly with his own preference for high-intensity, violent encounters inside the octagon.
As the December 12 date nears, the MMA community remains focused on the potential implications of the main event. For Oliveira, the goal is clear: secure a win, maintain his BMF status, and secure a path toward the undisputed lightweight championship.
The outcome of the main event will likely dictate the landscape of the lightweight division heading into 2027. Whether it results in a title shot for Oliveira or a major upset for the rising Lopes, the stakes remain high.
Join the conversation