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Title challenger from another division says he’s open to fight Charles Oliveira at UFC Rio
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Charles Oliveira might soon find himself in the Octagon with an opponent from a different weight class, following a stretch of growing frustration.

After news broke that Rafael Fiziev was forced to withdraw from UFC Rio, a number of fighters stepped up to challenge Oliveira.

UFC matchmakers are committed to keeping ‘Do Bronx’ on the card and are actively searching for a replacement, according to Ag. Fight.

Despite several names putting themselves forward, none have finalised anything. Speaking on October 11th, Oliveira expressed his frustration, saying it was starting to feel like nobody actually wanted the fight.

But now there is another option in play for the main event – one that would put the Brazilian star against one of the top names in the promotion.

Diego Lopes open to stepping in against Charles Oliveira at UFC Rio


Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Charles Oliveira has made it clear how much fighting in Brazil means to him, which is why he has been frustrated by the lack of willing opponents stepping up to replace Fiziev.

Mateusz Gamrot has suggested that ‘Do Bronx’ is not keen on fighting him due to their stylistic differences, shifting some of the blame back in his direction.

Meanwhile, Diego Lopes has shown again why he is considered one of the more dependable fighters around.

He stepped in on short notice for Noche UFC and picked up a win over Jean Silva, then quickly made it known that he is ready for another challenge if needed.

Lopes told Laerte Viana that if the opportunity arose to face Oliveira in Brazil, he would not hesitate.

“Of course, why not? Of course I’d accept, especially because Charles is a legend… 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.”

Another bout on the main card at UFC Rio has been lost

The UFC have not just had to find Charles Oliveira a new opponent in the lead-up to their event in Brazil.

Randy Brown has pulled out of his welterweight fight against Gabriel Bonfim because of injury, as reported by Ag. Fight.

Having recently defeated Stephen Thompson, Bonfim would have been keen to maintain his winning streak, especially in front of a home audience.

The card still features several notable Brazilian fighters, but losing Bonfim altogether would be a big hit.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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