Will Brooks (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

If Will Brooks defeats Alex Oliveira tonight at UFC Fight Night 96, the former Bellator champ probably won’t secure a title shot, but he’s hoping it will be a big step in that direction.

Brooks will face Olveira in the co-main event of tonight’s card, which will take place in Portland, Oregon. The bout will be Brooks’ second with the UFC, as this past July, he decisioned Ross Pearson in his Octagon debut.

Recently the well rounded fighter spoke to UFC.com about tonight’s bout, and while discussing his hopes to line-up a title shot, Brooks stated:

“If it is happening, I believe it should happen because I think I’m one of those guys that brings a lot to the table as far as my skills, the way I carry myself and my charisma, so why not put me on the fast track when I feel like there’s an opening in the lightweight division,” Brooks said. “There’s a lot of talent but there are no superstars with the X-Factor walking around, so if I’m that guy they feel can be that, then I’ll be that.”

Brooks is riding a nine fight winning streak heading into today’s bout, and has an overall record of 18-1. Oliveira (14-4-1), meanwhile, is 4-1 in his last five bouts.