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Diego Lopes reveals UFC discussed 2 other lightweight fights before Charles Oliveira

UFC lightweight star Diego Lopes has revealed that the promotion explored two other potential matchups before settling on his highly anticipated clash with reigning BMF titleholder Charles Oliveira. The bout, set to headline UFC 335 on December 12, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, marks Oliveira’s first title defense in the newly minted ‘Baddest Motherf***er’ division.

The event will also feature a co-main event between Alex Pereira and Sergei Pavlovich, adding another high-stakes showdown to the card. Oddsmakers currently favor Oliveira over Lopes in the lightweight main event, though the fight has drawn comparisons to past BMF-style battles for its explosive potential.

UFC 335 will conclude the year’s numbered events, delivering a star-studded finale in Las Vegas.

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