Charles Oliveira Faces Doubts Ahead of UFC 335 Against Diego Lopes

Charles Oliveira is preparing to defend his BMF title against Diego Lopes at UFC 335 in December, where he opens as a slight favorite. Despite this, Lopes is gaining support from analysts who believe he can capitalize on Oliveira's vulnerabilities.

Esteban Ribovics, a ranked lightweight, has predicted Lopes will win, citing Oliveira's history of knockouts and his recent KO loss to Ilia Topuria. Ribovics emphasized Lopes' strong chin and striking ability, suggesting that Oliveira's past struggles against powerful opponents could be a decisive factor in their matchup.

Oliveira, known for his record of submission victories, has faced criticism regarding his chin, having been knocked out five times in his career. Lopes, on the other hand, has built a reputation for his striking prowess and has not been knocked down in the UFC. As the fight approaches, Lopes has expressed his desire for an engaging bout, challenging Oliveira to a striking contest rather than a tactical grappling match.