Reports from outlets like MMA Sucka suggest that this fight could potentially be Pereira's last in the sport.
Pereira and Pavlovich React to Booking
The co-main event booking for December 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas was confirmed following a promotional video. Both fighters acknowledged the matchup on social media. Alex Pereira, known as "Poatan," shared an AI-generated video and a brief caption, stating, "See you soon," indicating his focus on the upcoming December meeting. Sergei Pavlovich responded with similar brevity, writing, "Back in action soon." UFC commentator Joe Rogan also weighed in, noting Pereira's determination to pursue a heavyweight title and his reluctance to return to light heavyweight, despite the formidable challenge posed by Pavlovich.
Pereira, age 38, enters this contest with a UFC record of 10-3-0. His last fight in June 2026 at UFC Freedom 250 resulted in a second-round knockout loss to Ciryl Gane in his heavyweight debut. Prior to that, in October 2025, he secured a first-round knockout victory over Magomed Ankalaev at light heavyweight. Pereira is currently ranked #10 in the Men's Pound-for-Pound rankings and #3 in the Light Heavyweight division, but is moving up to heavyweight for this bout. His opponent, Sergei Pavlovich, is ranked #2 in the heavyweight division. Early betting lines indicate Pereira as a slight underdog in this matchup.
Oliveira vs. Lopes for the BMF Title
Headlining UFC 335 is a BMF title bout between Charles Oliveira and Diego Lopes. Charles Oliveira, age 36, holds a UFC record of 25-11-0. He is currently on a one-fight win streak, having defeated Max Holloway by unanimous decision in March 2026 at UFC 326. Before that, in October 2025, he secured a submission victory over Mateusz Gamrot. Oliveira is ranked #3 in the Lightweight division. Early betting lines favor Oliveira in this contest.
Diego Lopes, age 31, will be making his lightweight debut for this BMF title challenge. He holds a UFC record of 7-3-0 and is coming off a second-round knockout win against Steve Garcia in June 2026 at UFC Freedom 250. Lopes is officially ranked #2 in the Featherweight division. His last two losses were both against Alexander Volkanovski, by unanimous decision in January 2026 and April 2025. This move up in weight class to face a highly-ranked lightweight like Oliveira presents a significant challenge for Lopes.
By the numbers
| Fighter | UFC record | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Charles Oliveira | 25-11-0 | Lightweight #3 |
| Diego Lopes | 7-3-0 | Featherweight #2 |
| Alex Pereira | 10-3-0 | Light Heavyweight #3 |
UFC records count UFC fights only. Records and rankings from UFC Stats and ufc.com.
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