Everyone wants to fight “Do Bronx” … kind of.
The search for the second half of the UFC Rio main event is still ongoing after Rafael Fiziev withdrew late last week (details here). Charles Oliveira hasn’t been shy about his frustration, calling fighters “pathetic” for declining the opportunity behind the scenes. The lone exception so far has been Mateusz Gamrot, who continues to campaign loudly for the 155-pound showdown.
Now, another name has stepped forward: No. 2-seeded Featherweight contender, Diego Lopes.
“Of course, why not? Of course I’d accept, especially because Charles is a legend,” Lopes recently told Laerte Viana. “And like I’ve always said, man, I’ll never turn down a fight. If you think I’m the right guy to fight him and you call me, then definitely yes, no problem, without even thinking twice.”
With UFC Rio just weeks away on Oct. 11 inside Farmasi Arena, the promotion is running out of time to secure an opponent. And while Lopes is technically a Featherweight, his surging star power makes him an intriguing option — especially after dismantling Jean Silva at Noche UFC 3 and handing the fellow Brazilian his first-ever UFC loss via knockout (watch highlights).
Still, Lightweight options remain on the table. Gamrot continues to push hard, mocking Oliveira on social media:
Other potential matchups include an all-Brazil clash with No. 11-ranked Renato Moicano, or a rematch against No. 8-seeded, Beneil Dariush.
With Oliveira waiting and time ticking down, UFC has some tough choices ahead; however, whether it’s Gamrot, Lopes or another dark horse, it seems clear that everyone wants a piece of “Do Bronx.”