On Saturday, May 7, 2022, the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona will host UFC 274. The main event was set to host the Lightweight championship bout featuring the champion Charles Oliviera, and challenger, Justin Gaethje. Regarding the title of this article including the word “History”, this is a memorable weekend, unfortunately, this event for the UFC is going to be remembered on the bad side of MMA history.
The biggest nightmare for anyone taking part in a title fight, from fans, the promotion, and especially the fighters took place Friday afternoon at the weigh-ins. Oliviera could not make championship weight as he tipped the scale at 155.5 pounds with multiple attempts. Unfortunately, for a normal three-round fight this would be legal, however, for a championship fight, both competitors must weigh no more than the weight class limit, in this case being 155 pounds. Oliveira was given an hour after his first attempt to cut the last 0.5 pounds, which many suspected he would be able to do, however, a blatantly physically depleted FORMER champion could not cut the final half a pound. The term former champion is used on purpose. Charles Oliveira, the UFC Lightweight champion, was forced to vacate his belt on the scales. A 12-fight win streak and a UFC title stripped over 0.5 pounds. The fight game can be a brutal world, but rules are rules meaning major implications for the UFC Lightweight division.
Moving forward the fight between Oliveira and Gaethje will still take place, but different stakes will be on the line. Should Charles continue his monumental win streak he will not win his belt back, he will become the number one contender and be promised another fight for the belt. (Per UFC statement from Dana White). On the side of Hometown brawler Justin Gaethje, he still has his dream chance of winning UFC gold in the octagon Saturday night. A win for Gaethje will crown him the 155-pound champion of the world.
Madness and drama have made many questions the meaning of the UFC 274 main event featuring Charles Oliveira and Justin Gathje. If there is one thing fans need to remember, it is that this will still possibly be five rounds of fireworks. The two fighters are bonus kings and will highlight an electric clash of styles making for an exciting finish to an unbelievable night of fights. The final prediction is still a Round 3 Submission by Charles Oliveira, the real champion of the division.
