Chute Boxe head coach addresses Charles Oliveira vs. Diego Lopes rumors

Charles Oliveira's team has firmly shut down speculation linking the former UFC lightweight champion and current BMF title holder to a matchup with rising welterweight Diego Lopes. After Lopes expressed interest in moving up to lightweight following his knockout of Steve Garcia at UFC Freedom 250, rumors circulated about a potential BMF title defense against the prospect.

However, Chute Boxe head coach and Oliveira's manager Diego Lima made clear that defending the BMF belt is not a priority. Instead, Oliveira's camp remains laser-focused on capturing the undisputed lightweight championship—a goal that hinges on facing current champion Justin Gaethje. Lima revealed that Gaethje is expected to return between March and April of 2027, though Arman Tsarukyan, who previously defeated Oliveira, currently sits ahead in the title picture.

Lima emphasized that despite Tsarukyan's ranking advantage, Oliveira represents a bigger commercial draw and crucially holds a victory over the champion. "Our biggest goal is the lightweight title, but obviously that doesn't depend only on us," Lima told Sherdog. "My intention is not to touch the BMF belt right now and instead focus on fighting Gaethje for the lightweight title."

Oliveira has won his last two fights, submitting Mateusz Gamrot before dominating Max Holloway to claim the BMF title. According to his team, only rematches against Tsarukyan or Gaethje will be considered as viable next steps in his career.