The UFC lightweight title is now vacant.
Former champion, Charles Oliveira, lost his claim to the division crown after failing to make weight for the UFC 274 pay-per-view (PPV) main event, clocking in at 155.5 pounds, one half pound over the championship limit of 155. The promotion even gave the Brazilian an extra hour to lose the additional weight; however, “Do Bronx” was unable to make his mark.
Gaethje tipped the scale at 155 pounds at Friday’s early weigh-in event (video here).
So what happens now?
Oliveira is still scheduled to fight Gaethje on Sat. night (May 7) at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Ariz., but is ineligible to win back the title because he failed to make weight. As for Gaethje, a victory over “Do Bronx” will crown him undisputed lightweight champion.
In summary: Gaethje can win the belt at UFC 274, Oliveira cannot.
MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 274 fight card on fight night, starting with the ESPN+ “Prelims” matches at 6 p.m. ET, followed by the remaining undercard balance on ESPN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, before the PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
For more news and notes on UFC 274 be sure to visit our comprehensive event archive right here. For the updated, revised, and finalized “Oliveira vs. Gaethje” fight card and ESPN+ PPV lineup click here. Bet on UFC 274 at DraftKings Sportsbook.