Charles Oliveira won submission of the night in his debut as a featherweight on the UFC on FOX undercard. His opponent was less experienced than those he had faced in the Octagon in his last three fights.
Oliveira is only 22 years old and wasn’t ready for opponents such as Jim Miller, Nik Lentz and Donald Cerrone and it shows in his record. He went 0-2 with one no-contest thanks to an illegal knee he delivered to Lentz, and he showed none of the spark he had when he had submitted his first two victims in the UFC.
Once his level of opposition was taken down from elite veterans to a newcomer like Eric Wisely, he reverted back to getting bonuses for his grappling skills and pulling off a moves like the calf slicer.
The UFC has a tendency to rush prospects that show promise and Oliveira was put in the same position. Just like many of the other fighters, he also failed to match the level he was placed at.
It isn’t anything against Oliveira that he didn’t succeed. He is only 22 and was facing veterans who had spent years getting better in the Octagon. Some had been competing in the UFC as Oliveira’s MMA career was beginning.
Now in his debut as a featherweight, the UFC has decided to allow him to grow at a natural pace, facing fighters who are growing just as he is. It gives him, if the pun can be forgiven, a fighting chance to learn his craft and continue to get better.
Even fighters like Jon Jones had to start slow fighting people like Stephan Bonner, Andre Gusmao and Brandon Vera before fighting top-fight competition.
Oliveira is no different and its great to see him finally getting a real run in the company instead of being rushed into fights he isn’t ready for.
Patience is a virtue, and the UFC brass may be starting to learn that pushing young fighters will only lead to them being broken down and being cut from the promotion.
Oliviera has talent. He showed that when he first came to the company and started making waves.
Unfortunately, he did too much too fast and was given an opportunity that he hadn’t warranted and wasn’t ready for.
It wasn’t Oliviera’s place as a fighter to say no. He has to believe he is the best and as a mixed martial artist should take every chance he gets.
But UFC matchmaker Joe Silva should have known better, and it is surprising that he didn’t.
Still, the UFC seems to be slowing down Oliveira’s progress and letting him earn his way to the top.
It is the best thing for the sport, and in the long run, it is the best thing for Oliveira.
Matthew Hemphill writes for the MMA and professional wrestling portion of Bleacher Report. He also hosts a blog elbaexiled.blogspot.com which focuses on books, music, comic books, video games, film, and generally anything that could be related to the realms of nerdom.
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