In my analysis, Charles Oliveira edges Diego Lopes through deeper lightweight experience and elite submission grappling. Lopes brings real knockout danger, yet Oliveira’s size and five-round pedigree make him the pick.
The main event headlines UFC 335 fight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This five-round lightweight bout starts on the main card at 9 p.m. ET on December 12. Oliveira defends the symbolic BMF title for the first time. He won the belt from Max Holloway at UFC 326.
Meanwhile, Lopes enters the octagon for his lightweight debut after two featherweight title challenges against Alexander Volkanovski. He stopped Steve Garcia by second-round TKO at UFC Freedom 250 in June. Consequently, this matchup pits a proven lightweight veteran against a dangerous newcomer to the weight class. The co-main event pairs Sergei Pavlovich with Alex Pereira at heavyweight.
Striking Versus Grappling: The Core Clash
Both Brazilians own dangerous submission games, yet their paths to the ground differ sharply. Oliveira hunts takedowns and back takes behind sharp Muay Thai striking. In contrast, Lopes pressures with heavy boxing and looks for the knockout first. Because of that split, the early striking exchanges will likely decide who controls the grappling.
The Charles Oliveira record shows a former champion with elite submission and knockout finishes. Meanwhile, the Diego Lopes stats reveal a finisher with seven performance bonuses in ten UFC appearances. Nevertheless, Lopes has never carried his power through a full camp at 155 pounds. Therefore, the weight class jump remains the biggest unknown in this main event.
Charles Oliveira Keys To Victory
Oliveira must lean on his advantages in experience and grappling depth. Specifically, his path runs through control, patience, and smart distance management.
- Force the grappling early: Oliveira should chain takedowns and clinch entries before Lopes settles into a striking rhythm. Once the fight hits the mat, his submission chains multiply fast.
- Protect the chin behind the jab: Oliveira has been hurt by big punchers before, so he must manage distance with his jab. Short, sharp combinations keep him safe while scoring points.
- Win the championship rounds: He has gone five rounds repeatedly, while Lopes faces new cardio questions at lightweight. Late takedowns could seal a decision on the judges’ scorecards.
Diego Lopes Keys To Victory
Lopes needs a violent, simple game plan built on pressure and power. Above all, he must turn this into the war he promised.
- Pressure without pause: Lopes should walk Oliveira down and force exchanges along the fence. Constant forward motion denies Oliveira the space for clean takedown entries.
- Test the chin early: Oliveira has been knocked down multiple times, so Lopes must commit to power shots. One clean connection could change the entire complexion of the fight.
- Defend takedowns at all costs: Lopes must sprawl, whizzer, and scramble back to his feet instantly. Surviving the ground keeps his knockout path alive into the later rounds.
Stylistic Advantages And The X-Factors
Oliveira holds the clear edge in submission grappling and five-round experience. Furthermore, he has fought the division’s heaviest hitters for years. Neither man owns a massive reach advantage, so pocket exchanges should decide plenty. Additionally, Lopes’ takedown defense has looked solid against smaller featherweights.
The intangibles also matter in a BMF title fight. Lopes has earned seven bonuses in ten UFC outings, so the bright lights rarely faze him. Conversely, Oliveira enters as the slight favorite but carries the pressure of a first title defense. Ultimately, stance discipline and rhythm will decide who controls the outcome.
How The Fight Likely Plays Out
Expect a tense opening round with both men respecting the other’s finishing ability. Oliveira will probe with kicks and look for reactive takedowns. Meanwhile, Lopes will cut the cage and hunt for heavy combinations. Therefore, the first five minutes should reveal who imposes their game first.
If Oliveira survives the early storm, his path widens in rounds three through five. He can mix takedowns with clinch work to drain Lopes’ explosiveness. Conversely, Lopes must bank early damage before the smaller gloves feel heavier. In the end, cardio and composure likely decide a fight this close.
Prediction: Who Wins The UFC 335 Main Event
My prediction leans toward Charles Oliveira by late submission or clear decision. His grappling gives him multiple paths, and his lightweight experience closes the gaps Lopes needs. Still, Lopes owns a live underdog path through early knockout power. In my view, Oliveira survives a dangerous first two rounds and takes over down the stretch.
The official pick is Oliveira, but this shapes up as a genuine coin-flip war. Fans should expect fireworks whenever these two Brazilians trade in the pocket. Either way, the BMF title gets the violent defense it deserves. All told, the matchup carries a classic pay-per-view main event feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is favored in Oliveira vs. Lopes?
Oddsmakers list Oliveira as a slight favorite, yet several fighters publicly pick Lopes as a live underdog.
What time does the UFC 335 main card start?
Main card action begins at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 12.
Is the BMF title on the line at UFC 335?
Yes, Oliveira makes his first BMF title defense after winning the belt from Max Holloway.
Has Diego Lopes ever fought at lightweight?
No, UFC 335 marks his lightweight debut after a full career spent at featherweight.
Where can I watch UFC 335 in the US?
It streams on Paramount+ in the US rather than a traditional pay-per-view.
Final Thoughts
UFC 335 promises a fascinating clash between a proven champion and a hungry challenger. Oliveira’s grappling and experience give him the edge, yet Lopes can end the night with one punch. Mark your calendar for December 12 and watch the BMF title defense unfold live. Check the full fight card preview to plan your December 12 viewing party.
