Charles Oliveira should retain his BMF title against Diego Lopes in the UFC 335 main event. Sergei Pavlovich projects as the co-main event winner over Alex Pereira. Below, every confirmed bout gets a reasoned pick and a suggested outcome.
Fight night lands at T-Mobile Arena on December 12, and the card stacks top to bottom. Six bouts remain confirmed after Joe Pyfer vs. Bo Nickal moved to Cleveland. Consequently, this guide covers every matchup the fans will actually see. Importantly, these are analytical predictions, not results, since the event has not happened yet. Furthermore, each pick weighs recent form, stylistic matchups, and momentum. Every pick below frames clearly as analysis rather than fact. Accordingly, read on for the full UFC 335 fight breakdown.
How These Predictions Were Made
Each pick weighs recent form, stylistic matchups, reach, age, and momentum. Finishing rates and takedown defense also shape the projected outcomes. No pick claims certainty because MMA remains gloriously unpredictable. Instead, each prediction identifies the likelier path to victory for one fighter. Striking accuracy, control time, and strength of schedule all feed the final call.
Main Event: Charles Oliveira vs. Diego Lopes
At 37-11, Oliveira carries serious lightweight experience into this matchup. He captured the BMF title from Max Holloway at UFC 326 in March. Diego Lopes counters with a second-round TKO of Steve Garcia, but this marks his lightweight debut. A deeper breakdown appears in the Oliveira vs Lopes prediction for complete stylistic analysis.
Lopes owns genuine knockout power, yet the weight jump remains his biggest question mark. His elite grappling, proven submission game, and five-round championship cardio counter that threat. Therefore, the prediction is Oliveira by fourth-round submission. Oliveira should drag Lopes into deep water before finding the finish late.
Stylistically, Oliveira thrives in chaos, while Lopes prefers measured exchanges on the feet. Championship experience in five-round fights should prove decisive down the stretch.
Co-Main Event: Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alex Pereira
Pavlovich arrives on a three-fight win streak with devastating first-round knockout power. Notably, he flattened Tallison Teixeira in just 39 seconds back in May. Alex Pereira, meanwhile, seeks redemption after a second-round TKO loss to Ciryl Gane. For full context, Pereira vs Pavlovich preview covers the stylistic collision in detail.
Despite standing one inch shorter, his five-inch reach edge still helps. However, Pereira remains the cleaner technical striker with proven championship composure. Ultimately, Pavlovich’s pressure and early power should overwhelm the former champion. First-round knockout for Pavlovich is the pick in this heavyweight clash.
Pereira’s left hook remains lethal, but heavyweight power changes every equation. Durability also favors the Russian, who absorbs punishment and returns fire instantly.
Brandon Moreno vs. Charles Johnson
Brandon Moreno returns to the octagon as a former flyweight champion with elite grappling credentials. Championship-rounds experience also dwarfs anything Charles Johnson has faced. Johnson counters as a durable veteran, yet he lacks a signature win at this level. Nevertheless, his toughness should keep him competitive through the early exchanges.
Moreno should control the grappling exchanges and outwork Johnson on the feet. Moreover, his submission threat will loom every time the fight hits the mat. Unanimous decision for Moreno is the official pick. Expect a clear but competitive showcase for the former champion.
Maycee Barber vs. Carli Judice
Maycee Barber looks to rebound from a March knockout loss to Alexa Grasso. That setback ended a seven-fight win streak that nearly earned her a title shot. Carli Judice, meanwhile, rides a four-fight win streak with three post-fight bonuses. She stopped Jeisla Chaves in just 99 seconds during her last outing.
Judice presents a live underdog threat, yet Barber has faced far tougher competition. Additionally, Barber’s victories over Amanda Ribas and Karine Silva outshine Judice’s resume. Judges should favor Barber by unanimous decision in a competitive scrap. Barber’s pressure and volume should ultimately carry the judges’ scorecards.
Quentin Pasley vs. Junior Tafa
Quentin Pasley makes his promotional debut carrying a perfect 4-0 record with four finishes. Impressively, UFC CEO Dana White compared him to a young Jon Jones after the Contender Series. Junior Tafa desperately needs a win, holding just three victories across nine UFC appearances. Still, his finish-or-be-finished style makes him dangerous for exactly one round.
Pasley should hold the wrestling and grappling edges against the brawling Tafa. Contender Series composure suggests he will not rush recklessly. So the official pick is Pasley by first-round knockout. Expectations remain sky-high, and Tafa’s porous defense should pay the price.
Chase Hooper vs. Chris Padilla
Chase Hooper brings a lanky frame and a crafty submission game to this lightweight matchup. Opponents who prefer striking exchanges consistently struggle with that grappling pedigree. Chris Padilla counters with aggression and power, yet his takedown defense remains largely unproven. This stylistic matchup therefore tilts clearly toward the mat specialist.
Hooper should close distance early and hunt the clinch or the takedown. Padilla’s aggressive entries could gift Hooper the very scrambles he wants. Second-round submission for Hooper gets the call. Look for a back take and a rear-naked choke to close the show.
UFC 335 Predictions Recap
Here is the full card at a glance for quick reference before fight night. Favorites dominate the board, although Judice and Padilla carry genuine upset potential.
- Oliveira vs. Lopes: Oliveira by submission, round four.
- Pavlovich vs. Pereira: Pavlovich by knockout, round one.
- Moreno vs. Johnson: Moreno by unanimous decision.
- Barber vs. Judice: Barber by unanimous decision.
- Pasley vs. Tafa: Pasley by knockout, round one.
- Hooper vs. Padilla: Hooper by submission, round two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Predicted to Win the UFC 335 Main Event?
Analysts should favor Charles Oliveira to retain the BMF title via fourth-round submission over Diego Lopes.
What Are the UFC 335 Predictions for Pavlovich vs. Pereira?
The prediction here is Sergei Pavlovich by first-round knockout, though Pereira’s striking keeps it dangerous.
How Can Fans Watch UFC 335?
Fans can watch on Paramount+, with the main card starting at 9 p.m. ET.
Is Joe Pyfer vs. Bo Nickal Still on UFC 335?
The bout moved off the card and now headlines a UFC Fight Night in Cleveland.
Who Is Favored in the UFC 335 Co-Main Event?
Early oddsmakers installed Pavlovich as a slight favorite, and this analysis agrees he should win by knockout.
Final Thoughts
UFC 335 delivers a stacked card with legitimate intrigue from the opener to the main event. Most predictions favor the favorites, yet underdogs like Judice add real upset potential. December 12 at T-Mobile Arena should ultimately deliver fireworks across every weight class. Bookmark this page, share your own picks in the comments, and check back after fight night.
