Lucas Fernando Finally Gets UFC Opportunity After Rebuilding his Career
The reigning LFA light heavyweight champion earns another shot at joining the promotion and will make his first appearance at UFC 330.
Lucas Fernando will finally get a chance in the UFC. After participating in Dana White's Contender Series back in 2023 and losing by unanimous decision to Cesar Almeida, the LFA light heavyweight champion has finally earned his shot in the promotion. The Brazilian is expected to make his debut against Rafael Tobias at UFC 330, scheduled to take place on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia. The news was first reported by MMA Fighting.
Lucas Fernando Finally Reaches the UFC
After winning the LFA middleweight title against Jansey Silva in May 2023, Fernando was invited to participate in Dana White's Contender Series. Following a unanimous decision loss to Cesar Almeida, the Brazilian narrowly missed out on a contract with the UFC. Instead of giving up, however, Fernando returned to the regional scene determined to work his way back.
A few months later, Fernando suffered another setback after losing the LFA middleweight title, but eventually regained his momentum. In Aug. 2025, the Brazilian moved up to light heavyweight and captured the title by defeating Phillip Latu via TKO in his first appearance in the division. Fernando now enters the UFC riding a four-fight winning streak.
Rafael Tobias Looking for First UFC Win Over Lucas Fernando
"Bipolar" was also a participant in Dana White's Contender Series and still needs to prove himself in the UFC. After signing with the promotion, Tobias made his debut against Diyar Nurgozhay, where he was defeated via unanimous decision. Now, with his second fight on the books, the Brazilian will get another chance to justify the UFC's decision to sign him.
UFC 330 Takes Shape
Less than a month away, UFC 330 is almost complete and will feature two title bouts. Following his successful welterweight debut, where he defeated Jack Della Maddalena to win the belt, Islam Makhachev will take on Ian Machado Garry in his first title defense in the division. In the women's strawweight division, Mackenzie Dern will also defend her title for the first time against Gillian Robertson after winning the vacant belt against Virna Jandiroba.
For Fernando, however, the event represents the opportunity he has been chasing ever since his appearance on Dana White's Contender Series three years ago.
