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 matchup.Now, another name has stepped forward: No. 2-ranked Featherweight Diego Lopes.
“Of course,
why not? Of course I’d accept, especially because Charles is a legend,” Lopes told Laerte Viana recently. “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 UFC loss via knockout (watch highlights).
Still, Lightweight options remain on the table. Gamrot continues to push hard, mocking Oliveira on social media:
“The Lion holds the record for the most ground finishes in UFC history, he’s afraid to step in with a grappler,” Gamrot wrote after learning Oliveira was reluctant to face a wrestler.
Other potential matchups include an all-Brazil clash with No. 11-ranked Renato Moicano, or a rematch against No. 8 Beneil Dariush.
With Oliveira waiting and time ticking down, the UFC has some tough choices ahead—but whether it’s Gamrot, Lopes, or another dark horse, it seems clear that everyone wants a piece of “Do Bronx.”
