LOPES VOWS BMF WAR WITH OLIVEIRA: "SEE WHO GOES DOWN FIRST"
“I want to get in there and throw down. Let's see who goes down first. That's exactly what I'm looking for.”
Diego Lopes told MMA Fighting he wants a standup war with Charles Oliveira for the BMF belt at UFC 335 on December 12.
"Let's see who goes down first."
Diego Lopes is not coming to wrestle. The Brazilian told MMA Fighting he hopes Charles Oliveira brings an aggressive mindset to their BMF title fight at UFC 335 on December 12 in Las Vegas, because that is exactly the war he wants.
This is the BMF belt's reputation on the line. Oliveira took the title from Max Holloway in March with a grappling-heavy performance that drew criticism from fans, fighters, and even Dana White. Lopes, with seven bonuses in ten UFC fights, is promising the violence the belt was built for.
The Promise
"I hope so," Lopes said with a laugh. "I hope he does come in with that mindset, because that's exactly what I want. I want to get in there and throw down. Let's see who goes down first. That's exactly what I'm looking for."
Lopes added that nobody should doubt his side of the bargain. Win or lose, he always comes to engage.
"I want to get in there and throw down. Let's see who goes down first. That's exactly what I'm looking for."
The Respect
Lopes called Oliveira, at 37-11, "definitely" the toughest matchup of his MMA career. "He's a guy who can knock you out and submit you, too. He's dangerous both on the bottom and on top when the fight goes to the ground."
The 28-8 Brazilian is bulking for the move to 155, walking around 180 pounds, and says he is training to avoid mistakes in every area.
The Road Here
Lopes' first lightweight offer came after he knocked out Steve Garcia at the UFC White House event. The plan was a Paris headliner against Dan Hooker, but the UFC signed Salahdine Parnasse for that spot instead.
A Madison Square Garden date with Benoit Saint-Denis was discussed. Then Mauricio Ruffy stepped in to face Arman Tsarukyan in September, and the UFC called with the BMF title fight.
Win, and Lopes wants to defend the BMF strap — against Justin Gaethje, "even better." December 12 cannot come fast enough.
