Oliveira Remains Dominant In Lightweight Division

Image By: Jeff Bottari Zuffa LLC

Controversy surrounded the main event featured for UFC 274 at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, between lightweight champion Charles Oliveira and challenger Justin Gaethje.

Oliveira was stripped of his title shortly after weigh-in because he exceeded the 155-pound weight limit to remain eligible to defend the title. The setback shocked Oliveira, but it did not stop him from displaying his dominance in the octagon and continuing his reign in the division. Gaethje started quickly in the first round with consistent activity and pressure, and that pressure overwhelmed Oliveira. Shortly after, Gaethje managed to land two effective strikes that knocked Oliveira down and caused significant damage. Momentum was in Gaethje’s possession. However, he failed to capitalize on the moments because Oliveira is a black belt in Brazilian Ju-Jitsu with the ability to reverse and submit his opponent with his superior grappling ability. Ultimately, Gaethje’s opportunity to potentially secure a knockout victory via ground and pound slipped from his grasp.

After weathering the initial storm, Oliveira began mixing up his attack with knee thrusts and boxing strikes that hurt Gaethje and made him more cautious defensively. Despite the defensive change, Gaethje was over-aggressive in his attack…