UFC 335 Title Fight
Charles Oliveira Will Defend His BMF Title Against Diego Lopes At UFC 335
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Key Points
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Oliveira was expected to rematch Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 331 in September but could not compete after his friend and teammate Allan Nascimento died. Oliveira is also the UFC’s all-time leader in finishes, submissions and bonuses.
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Lopes rebounded from his January title loss with a second-round TKO of Steve Garcia at UFC Freedom 250 in June. The UFC says he has also scored knockout wins over featherweight contenders Steve Garcia and Jean Silva.
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Pereira is returning for his second heavyweight fight after losing his heavyweight debut to reigning undisputed champion Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250; a win over Pavlovich could put him back in the heavyweight title picture.
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Oliveira and Lopes are fellow Brazilians, and the announced bout is Lopes’s chance to pursue his first UFC belt after two featherweight title defeats to Alexander Volkanovski.
Charles Oliveira will defend his BMF title against Diego Lopes at UFC 335 on December 12 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, according to MMA Mania. The bout marks Oliveira's first BMF title defense since winning the belt against Max Holloway in March, while Lopes, a two-time featherweight title challenger, moves up to lightweight for the fight.
The card also features Alex Pereira facing Sergei Pavlovich in the co-main event and Joe Pyfer taking on Bo Nickal. The Body Lock MMA reports this is Lopes's chance to pursue his first UFC belt after two previous featherweight title losses to Alexander Volkanovski.
Oliveira Returns After Teammate's Tragic Death
Oliveira was expected to rematch Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 331 in September but withdrew due to personal reasons. MMA Sucka reports that his friend and teammate Allan Nascimento died, prompting the fighter to step back from competition. Oliveira remains the UFC's all-time leader in finishes and submission victories.
The BMF title represents a different challenge for Oliveira at 135 pounds. He earned the belt with a dominant performance against Holloway earlier this year. His return to competition marks an important moment for the veteran Brazilian fighter.
Lopes Looks to Capture First UFC Championship
Diego Lopes rebounded from his January title loss with a second-round TKO of Steve Garcia at UFC Freedom 250 in June, according to Khel Now. The Brazilian has scored knockout wins over featherweight contenders, establishing himself as a dangerous striker at 145 pounds.
Moving up to lightweight presents both opportunity and risk for Lopes. A victory over Oliveira would give him his first UFC belt after two featherweight title defeats. The size jump could impact his performance against the experienced Oliveira.
Pereira Seeks Redemption in Heavyweight Division
Alex Pereira is returning for his second heavyweight fight after losing his debut to reigning undisputed champion Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250. MMA Mania reports that a win over Sergei Pavlovich could put him back in the heavyweight title picture.
Pereira's transition to heavyweight has proven challenging so far. His clash with Pavlovich on December 12 represents a crucial test as he looks to rebuild his resume at the higher weight class.
Brazilian Rivals Share Stage on December 12
Both Oliveira and Lopes are fellow Brazilians competing at the highest level of mixed martial arts. Their BMF title fight will showcase the Brazilian fighting tradition on the UFC's December card in Las Vegas.
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