In the Clinch: Gaethje Itching for Elusive Lightweight Title, UFC 274 – Justin Gaethje has been close, so close, but no cigar.
In May 2020, Gaethje (23-3-0), 33, was the interim lightweight champion, having demolished Tony Ferguson in a surprising manner. He had earned the right to add the undisputed UFC lightweight belt to his mantle, that contains the WSOF (now the PFL) lightweight strap.
But then at UFC 254, Khabib Nurmagomedov happened at Fight Island, and Gaethje was back to the drawing board.
Now, after one impressive win over Michael Chandler at UFC 268, he has another chance to grab the lightweight title Saturday at UFC 274.
At media day, Gaethje calmly summarized Charles Oliveira as “a man with confidence.” He was careful to give Oliveira his props as a fighter but noted his failures, particularly his submission losses. “The Highlight” will use his grappling strengths to make Oliveira tap. Unlike his opponents, he will not take his foot off the gas pedal or underestimate the champion.
I like Gaethje’s chances, but don’t count out the clever “Do Bronx.”
Oliveira (32-8-0, 1NC), 32, beat Michael Chandler for the belt at UFC 262 and defended it against former interim champ Dustin Poirier at UFC 269 last November. He hasn’t lost since December 2017, a span of 10 fights.
But Gaethje will have an entire nation in his corner on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters, Oliveira shook off the Gaethje’s home field advantage. Oliveira acknowledged the pedigree of his opponent but reminded the press that he is a complete fighter too. He will need to be extremely prepared on the feet, however.
Oliveira should not let the Khabib fight fool him. Gaethje hits like a monster truck and he will want to get the fight to the ground as quickly as he can so that he can pull another submission win out of a hat.
So, here’s the $64,000 question: Gaethje or Oliveira?
In the Clinch: Gaethje Itching for Elusive Lightweight Title, UFC 274 – More Resources
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Justin Gaethje
Charles Oliveira
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