Overview
- On Monday Charles Oliveira told MMAFighting he will continue to use grappling in BMF fights and that he would give up the belt if the UFC imposed rules banning takedowns or forcing pure stand-up.
- Oliveira is scheduled to defend the belt against Diego Lopes in the UFC 335 main event on December 12 at T‑Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and he says he feels no pressure to change his approach for that fight.
- He framed the choice as practical, pointing to his UFC records for finishes and submissions and arguing that abandoning proven tactics to satisfy critics would risk his career and chances to win.
- The debate traces to Oliveira’s March win over Max Holloway, when he used multiple takedowns and long ground control to win a grappling-heavy decision, drawing criticism from fans and fighters including Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor.
- No rule change has been announced by the UFC, bookmakers currently list Oliveira as the favorite, and Lopes will move up to lightweight for the December showdown, a matchup that will test style and size as the BMF identity is debated.