“Keep an Eye Out For…” UPDATE – Edinaldo Oliveira

On 10/17/11, I wrote this “Keep an Eye Out For…” article:

[#48HW] Edinaldo Oliveira (12 – 0 – 1) has yet to taste defeat.  At 6’7″ and 238lbs, he is a very lanky fighter that has used his reach to secure 7 (T)KOs and 2 submissions out of his 12 victories.  In the past 17 months, Oliveira has amassed a formidable list of victories over Brazilian heavyweights.  The most notable victories in this time span are:

• 1st round TKO over [#151HW] Jair Goncalves (9 – 4 – 0) in September 2011
• 3rd round unanimous decision over [#167HW] Ubiratan Marinho Lima (13 – 6 – 0)  in July 2011
• 2nd round TKO over [#230HW] Edson Franca (13 – 6 – 0) in May 2011
• 1st round TKO over [#192HW] Geronimo dos Santos (24 – 13 – 0) in December 2010
• 5th round unanimous decision over the one man to defeat [#3HW] Junior dos Santos, [#139HW] Joaquim Ferreira (11 – 6 – 0)  in May 2010

Oliveira’s nickname is “Lula Molusco” or “Squidward” in English, due to his rangy physique.  If he were so inclined, Oliveira could possibly fight at 205lbs.  It would be interesting to see how Lula Molusco would fare against greater competition on bigger shows.  Here’s to hoping we get the opportunity.

On 11/16/11, BloodyElbow.com reported that Oliveira, now (13-0-1) and ranked at [#46HW], will make his UFC debut at UFC 142 in Rio.  He will be facing British heavyweight [#82HW] Rob Broughton (15 – 7 – 1).  Both these fighters are meeting at a veritable crossroads in their respective careers.  It will be an interesting bout; one which will indicate where each fighter belongs in the UFC at this point.

Twitter – @Jonathan_Grand