Why Robert Whittaker Is Favoring Diego Lopes Over Fan-Favorite Charles Oliveira

Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is always breaking down top-tier UFC fights. With former lightweight king Charles Oliveira set to defend his BMF title against featherweight sensation Diego Lopes at UFC 335, "The Reaper" has offered his prediction, and it might shock fans expecting a routine night for the veteran.

Despite "Do Bronx" remaining one of the most beloved fighters on the roster, Whittaker is leaning toward the surging contender. Oliveira enters the matchup following an impressive five-round unanimous decision victory over Max Holloway at UFC 326 to capture the BMF crown. Yet, Whittaker sees a dangerous stylistic hurdle ahead for the champion.

Neutralizing Ground Control and Pressuring Forward

"I think Diego Lopes gets it done," Whittaker stated during a recent fight breakdown. "I love Charles Oliveira like everybody else, but I don’t think Charles will have the ground superiority that he always has. And if it comes to toughness and walking people down, Lopes has to be the favorite."

Whittaker’s logic digs right into the tactical matchup. Lopes is an elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt making his official UFC lightweight debut. Outside of decision setbacks against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and Movsar Evloev, Lopes has swept seven UFC opponents, including explosive knockout finishes over Steve Garcia and Jean Silva.

When two aggressive grappling specialists collide, their submission threats often nullify each other, turning the contest into a firefight on the feet. If Oliveira cannot rely on his usual guard play or ground control, he will have to withstand Lopes' terrifying forward pressure in the pocket.

For Whittaker, that combination of durability, high-level BJJ defense, and relentless chin-checking power gives Lopes a legitimate edge when the Octagon doors close on Dec. 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.