In the main event of UFC 274 the lightweight title was supposed to be up for grabs and it still was for one man. The undisputed champion Charles Oliveira (32-8, 1 NC) was taking on “The Highlight” Justin Gaethje (23-3).
Now, the title was only on the line for Gaethje and Oliveira was forced to vacate the title upon the start of UFC 274. Yesterday at the weigh-ins, Oliveira came in at 155.5 pounds. In a championship fight, you are not allowed any extra weight and Oliveira couldn’t make it.
As a result, he became the first champion in UFC to lose the title on the scale. Now, there was still a lot on the line for him tonight. If he was able to beat Gaethje, he would be in line to fight for the vacant title in his next fight. However, Justin Gaethje was looking to capture undisputed gold.
Last time we saw Gaethje was back at UFC 268 when he fought Michael Chandler. The two men went to war and Gaethje was able to win a decision that earned him this title shot. That win came on the heels of his title loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Overall, Gaethje is 5-1 in his last six and 6-3 in his nine UFC appearances. He’s been an interim champion, however, he’s never been able to capture undisputed gold and he was looking to do that tonight.
UFC 274 Recap
Round 1
The UFC 274 main event started out with a touch of the gloves. Oliveira starting with the pressure and eats a big leg kick. However, Oliveira lands a big shot over the top and Gaethje looks wobbled. Gaethje wobbled again from Oliveira and then Gaethje puts him down.
Crazy action in the opening minute. Another huge shot from Gaethje and down goes Oliveira. Gaethje welcomes him back to the feet. Oliveira right back to being aggressive despite getting hurt early.
Big shots from Oliveira and the pace slows a little. They clinch and Oliveira pulls guard. Immediately Gaethje gets back to the feet and they are striking. Nice right straight lands for Oliveira and Gaethje falls trying to throw a wild right.
Huge right hand from Oliveira and down goes Gaethje. Oliveira immediately on the back of Gaethje and he’s attacking the submissions. Gaethje tries to roll but Oliveira gets his back. Locks in the rear naked choke and this one is over. Charles Oliveira is still the best UFC lightweight in the world.
Charles Oliveira def. Justin Gaethje by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) – Round 1