TLDR
- Diego Lopes will face Charles Oliveira for the BMF title at UFC 355 on December 12 in his lightweight debut
- Lopes would return to featherweight only for a title fight or number one contender bout at 145 pounds
- The Brazilian fighter lost twice to Alexander Volkanovski in featherweight title fights this year
- Lopes promises to deliver an exciting stand-up battle unlike Oliveira’s previous grappling-heavy BMF defense
- Lopes predicts Volkanovski will successfully defend his title against Movsar Evloev at UFC 333
Sources: middleeasy.com | mmasucka.com | foxsports.com.au
Diego Lopes will make his lightweight debut against Charles Oliveira at UFC 355 on December 12. The Brazilian fighter is challenging for the BMF title after spending over four years competing at featherweight.
Lopes has twice challenged for the featherweight title, losing both times to Alexander Volkanovski. He lost to Volkanovski at UFC 314 in April 2025 and again at UFC 325 in Sydney earlier this year.
Diego Lopes welcomes BMF-style war with Charles Oliveira at #UFC335:
"I want to get in there and throw down. Let’s see who goes down first. That’s exactly what I’m looking for. … You can be sure it’s going to be a war."
(🎥 @guicruzzz) pic.twitter.com/bHCpEYpSQm
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) October 12, 2026
The 31-year-old fighter says he wants to test himself at 155 pounds. He told MMA Junkie he wants to feel how his body, power, and speed perform at the new weight class.
Two Paths Back to Featherweight
Lopes revealed he would return to featherweight under specific conditions. He said he would move back down if the UFC offers him a title fight or a number one contender bout at 145 pounds.
“If I have a chance, come back to 145 for fight for the number one contender or for the belt again, I came back to the 145,” Lopes said. He added that his body has changed and would need more time to cut back down to featherweight.
For now, Lopes says his focus remains on lightweight. He wants to stay at 155 pounds unless a better opportunity comes up at featherweight.
Promise of an Exciting Fight
Oliveira’s last BMF title fight against Max Holloway drew criticism for being too grappling-heavy. Many fans and UFC President Dana White felt the fight lacked excitement.
Lopes has promised a different kind of fight. He said he wants to engage in a stand-up battle if Oliveira is willing to trade strikes.
“I hope he does come in with that mindset, because that’s exactly what I want,” Lopes said. “I want to get in there and throw down. Let’s see who goes down first.”
Lopes is known as a pressure fighter with strong ground defense. Oliveira holds numerous submission victories and also has knockout power.
Lopes first entered the UFC at UFC 288 in May 2023, facing Movsar Evloev on short notice. He lost by unanimous decision but impressed with his willingness to take the fight.
After that loss, Lopes won five straight fights at featherweight. Those victories earned him his first title shot against Volkanovski.
Despite losing to Volkanovski twice, Lopes still believes the Australian champion has plenty left in the tank. Volkanovski is scheduled to defend his featherweight title against Evloev at UFC 333 on October 25 in Abu Dhabi.
Lopes said he still thinks Volkanovski will beat Evloev. He questioned whether the undefeated Russian can put enough pressure on Volkanovski with his wrestling.
“I don’t know if Movsar can put pressure on Volkanovski on the cage, on the ground,” Lopes said. “I still think Volk. He beat me two times, so I know he’s still here.”
The UFC 355 main event between Lopes and Oliveira will take place on December 12. Lopes says he will do his part to make the BMF fight exciting for fans.
