In the co-main event of UFC 256 we had a lightweight clash between Tony Ferguson (25-4) and Charles Oliveira (29-8). Heading into tonight, this lightweight battle was being labeled as the people’s main event.
Tony Ferguson saw his 12-fight winning streak snapped back at UFC 249. That night, Ferguson was finished by Justin Gaethje in a battle for the interim lightweight title. Ferguson’s winning streak was unheard of for this stacked division.
El Cucuy was looking to get back to his winning ways, but he was going to have his hands full. Charles Oliveira entered UFC 256 looking like the fighter many always believed that he could be.
For Oliveira it was never a question on how talented he was. However, he always seemed to struggle in big moments. Yet, entering UFC 256, Oliveira was on a seven-fight winning streak where he finished all seven opponents.
UFC 256 Recap
Round 1
As the UFC 256 co-main event got underway, both men touched gloves. Oliveira opened the striking with a front kick to the body. Oliveira then throwed a powerful leg kick that Ferguson countered with a stiff jab. Ferguson seemed to be on his back foot early on.
Oliveira was really pressing forward with power shots early on. A big head kick landed for Oliveira, but Ferguson was game throwing big shots of his own. The two clinched and Oliveira picked Ferguson up and slammed him to the ground.
Oliveira settled into Ferguson’s butterfly guard. Then, Oliveira transitioned beautifully into the mount position and Ferguson tried to just hold him in place. Ferguson attempted to buck Oliveira off a few times, but he ate some big elbows.
The former UFC interim champion appeared to be in big trouble in the first. Oliveira was doing fantastic of using top pressure to keep Ferguson in place. Oliveira then sunk in an armbar just as the round ended and had it fully extended. Somehow Ferguson didn’t tap, but a massive round for Oliveira.
Round 2
The second round of the UFC 256 co-main event got underway with Ferguson throwing body kicks. However, Ferguson’s arm looked completely compromised and he wasn’t throwing it. A minute into the round and Oliveira took him back down.
Once on the ground, Ferguson was trying to attack from his back, but Oliveira was doing a good job of controlling him. Oliveira did a good job of stacking Tony Ferguson and throwing big shots right down the middle.
The former UFC champion was getting beat up in the second round. Oliveira was just doing a fantastic job of controlling Ferguson on the ground and beating him while doing it. The round closes with more top control from Oliveira. 2-0 for Oliveira in this one after two.
Round 3
The former UFC interim champion needed a finish heading into the third round. Ferguson opened with a nice body kick and a hook. Oliveira then started his striking with a body kick that buckled Ferguson’s leg.
A minute into the round and Oliveira shot in and slammed Ferguson back to the ground. Oliveira was able to work his way to the mount with three minutes to work. Ferguson tried to roll, but found himself caught in a triangle choke.
However, Ferguson was able to get out, but Oliveira was able to get back into the top position. Ferguson was able to sneak out the back, but Oliveira took him right back to the ground. The final round comes to a close with Oliveira in side control. Dominance from the start to finish for Oliveira.
Charles Oliveira def. Tony Ferguson by Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)