Charles Oliveira, nicknamed Do Bronx, is no longer hiding his ambitions: the Brazilian, currently ranked No. 3 in the UFC lightweight division, dreams of a title shot after a victory over Diego Lopes at UFC 335. With odds of -172 against +146 for Lopes, Oliveira enters the fight as the heavy favorite in a bout that could change everything.
But beyond performance, it’s the uncertainty surrounding Justin Gaethje, the reigning champion, that could work in his favor. If the American champion were to retire or indefinitely postpone his title defenses, Oliveira would find himself in an ideal position to vie for the belt. It’s a scenario the Brazilian isn’t shy about exploiting, putting pressure on Gaethje to clarify his intentions.
A Winning Strategy?
Oliveira is leveraging his fan influence and impressive performances to tip the scales in his favor against contenders like Arman Tsarukyan. Already the BMF titleholder, the Brazilian has repeatedly proven he can compete with the best. A win over Lopes, combined with a potential Gaethje exit, could be enough to earn him a title shot. But the road is still long: Tsarukyan, on the rise, could very well stand in his way.The Lopes Challenge: A Crucial Step
Diego Lopes, less publicized but formidable, presents a tough test for Oliveira. The Brazilian will need to showcase his technical versatility and legendary endurance to secure the win. A convincing victory could not only put him in title contention but also solidify his ranking. The bookmakers agree: Oliveira is the clear favorite in this fight.The question remains: will Gaethje retire or not? If he does, Oliveira could finally achieve his dream: becoming the UFC lightweight champion.