Charles Oliveira Defends BMF Style Ahead of UFC 335 vs Lopes

Charles Oliveira says he has no intention of changing his grappling-heavy approach for his BMF title defense against Diego Lopes at UFC 335 on Dec. 12 in Las Vegas, dismissing critics who called his dominant decision win over Max Holloway boring.

"If the BMF fight is about going there and breaking each other up, then honestly, brother, here's the belt. Take it somewhere else. That belt is not for me," Oliveira told MMA Fighting.

Why Is Oliveira Defending His Style Before UFC 335?

Oliveira captured the BMF title in March by out-grappling and out-striking Holloway over five rounds, a performance that drew criticism from fans expecting a slugfest given the belt's brawler reputation. Oliveira pushed back hard on that narrative, pointing to his finishing rate, 21 stoppages in 25 UFC wins, as proof his approach has nothing to apologize for.

He also addressed the idea that a more aggressive style against Holloway might have earned him the kind of spotlight fight Holloway later got against Conor McGregor. Oliveira rejected that premise outright, saying nobody in the lightweight division has dominated Holloway the way he did, and that he doesn't need to fight reckless to prove anything.

What Does Oliveira Expect From Diego Lopes?

Oliveira made clear he isn't treating Lopes as a brawl-first opponent to trade with, even though Lopes brings real firepower. He described Lopes as dangerous everywhere, citing his jiu-jitsu, wrestling and heavy hands, and said his camp has been studying Lopes from every angle to build a specific game plan rather than banking on a shootout.

That approach lines up with how Oliveira has operated for most of his UFC run. He's a fighter who finishes constantly, but rarely because he abandons a plan. Expect him to look for scrambles and grappling exchanges early against Lopes rather than meeting him in the pocket just to silence doubters.

Betting Angle

Markets will likely frame this UFC 335 headliner around whether Lopes' aggression and durability can offset Oliveira's grappling pedigree and championship experience. Given Oliveira's recent tendency to control fights on the mat rather than finish early, bettors should pay close attention to the over/under on rounds and method-of-victory props rather than assuming another highlight-reel submission. Lopes has shown he can be hittable and willing to engage, which could actually play into Oliveira's hands if he sticks to the mixed-martial-arts approach he described rather than being baited into standing and trading. Anyone backing Lopes is likely banking on him avoiding the clinch and takedown exchanges that have defined Oliveira's recent wins.

This title defense also matters for the BMF lineage itself. A controlled, decision-heavy style has already proven it can win the belt, and another methodical Oliveira performance would further cement that the BMF strap isn't strictly a brawler's trophy, something that could shape how oddsmakers and fans value stylistic matchups for the title going forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Charles Oliveira fighting at UFC 335?

Charles Oliveira defends his BMF title against Diego Lopes at UFC 335 on Dec. 12 in Las Vegas.

Why did Charles Oliveira criticize reactions to his Max Holloway fight?

Charles Oliveira dominated Max Holloway on the feet and on the ground to win the BMF title in March, and he rejected criticism that the win was boring, pointing to his dominant striking, takedowns and ground control throughout the fight.

Does Charles Oliveira plan to fight differently against Diego Lopes?

No, Charles Oliveira said he plans to use a well-rounded mixed martial arts approach against Diego Lopes rather than fight recklessly just to please fans expecting a brawl.