“Lokdog” plans to eradicate his opponent.
Surging Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Bantamweight contender Vinicius Oliveira will headline his first UFC event when he takes on Mario Bautista in the main event of UFC Vegas 113 this weekend (Sat., Feb. 7, 2026) inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
And if Oliveira has his way, it won’t be a long night.
Speaking with MMAMania.com during UFC Vegas 113 media day, the Brazilian contender suggested the matchup was designed with a clear purpose: eliminating
Bautista, who has drawn criticism for his grinding, low-output style — something Oliveira believes the promotion is ready to move on from.
“I think the UFC made a good choice, a good matchup because he’s a boring fighter, and I think the UFC wanted to put him out,” Oliveira said. “They put me here for the chance to put him out.”
Oliveira didn’t stop there, predicting a first-round knockout to cap off the biggest opportunity of his UFC career.
With a victory, “Lokdog” would claim Bautista’s No. 9 ranking at Bantamweight — and in Oliveira’s mind, that puts him on a fast track to title contention.
“I see myself by the end of the year fighting for the belt for sure,” Oliveira said. “But before that, I’m going to fight against a top five. I’m going to put on a great performance for the audience, and then in the middle of the year I’m going to fight against a top five in the rankings.”
Oliveira also hinted at two specific top-five opponents he’d like to face later this year, potentially on the UFC White House card.
“There’s only two guys in the top five that I would be able to fight there. But it doesn’t matter who,” Oliveira added. “I’m going to fight in the middle of the year again, and then this year I’m going to fight for the belt against anyone. It doesn’t matter.”
While the Bantamweight title picture is currently logjammed — with champion Petr Yan sidelined until at least July and a trilogy with Merab Dvalishvili looming — Oliveira believes a dominant finish this weekend, followed by a statement win over a top-five opponent, could force the UFC’s hand.
The 30-year-old has long called for a matchup with Umar Nurmagomedov, even accusing the Russian contender of avoiding him since Oliveira’s incredible UFC debut. Whether that fight materializes later this year remains to be seen.
For now, Oliveira’s focus is singular: get past Bautista — a notoriously tough out — and do it in emphatic fashion.
For the rest of the UFC Vegas 113 fight card and Paramount+ lineup click here.
