UFC 274: Footprint Center; Phoenix, Arizona
The only two-times Justin Gaethje has been submitted in his career have been in undisputed UFC lightweight title fights. First to Khabib Nurmagomedov, and now to Charles Oliveira. With the title being vacated because of the weight miss by “Do Bronx”, the belt belongs to nobody. Oliveira is as hot as molten lava right now, and has options galore as the true number one contender. However, does anyone beat Oliveira right now?
The duo didn’t sit back to make reads. It was rock their opponent from the second referee Marc Goddard said fight in a high paced chess match. The former WSOF champion; Gaethje, used more of an array of weapons, but Oliveira’s striking is pinpoint. Gaethje dropped Oliveira twice and opened a small cut near Oliveira’s left eye. But because of how much of a danger he is on the ground, Gaethje didn’t follow him down.
It was an Oliveira right hand like a heat seeking missile that was the beginning of the end for the 33-year old hometown fighter. “Do Bronx” went down after “The Highlight” and immediately started hunting for a submission. He transitioned from a triangle to a rear-naked choke, eventually getting Gaethje to tap just 3:22 into the fight.
Although after being told by Dana White he absolutely IS the number one contender; he didn’t specifically demand who’s next. But he did tell Joe Rogan point blank:
“This is a message for the entire division”
Does Anyone Beat Oliveira Right Now
However he did mention Conor McGregor who also got called on by Michael Chandler at 170 in a WWE style shoot. McGregor was then busy on twitter:
I’d have a nice knock off this guy, no doubt about it. A firework spectacle. I like the 170 shout also. Tipped him over. I’m definitely game to fight this guy at some stage in my career. I see it happening after tonight. Congrats on a solid win Michael and another barnstormer.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 8, 2022
I’m not sure I wish to cut the weight. I am really enjoying being built like a refrigerator. I feel I want to fight at this size just to watch it back lol. But I’d love to fight the Brazilian, 100%! I love Brazil and I’m unbeaten against Brazil. All KO’s. I’ve some thinking to do
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 8, 2022
Everyone still knows a McGregor fight means the biggest dollars, despite his in-cage slide. Also in this roulette wheel is the third-ranked Islam Makhachev. McGregor’s left hand is still one of the best in the game. Chandler, who flatlined Tony Ferguson; has been exposed as having a suspect chin.
In fairness; the fighter that may give him the most fits is the Nurmagomedov pupil. His sambo wrestling and pressure are on the same level with Oliveira’s bjj. Neither have the dim-mak touch, both relying on accurate striking.
The decision will no doubt be the first thing discussed at the UFC offices on Tuesday morning. But after picking up his 16th submission win, and 19th finish; both extending Oliveira’s UFC record’s; expect that a Dagestani will be fighting for a 155 strap by year’s end.
For all your sports needs, just head to: Belly Up Sports. And for all things CYCLONE, check out: Facebook.
