A 14-fight card at UFC 274 produced some big wins, fantastic action, memorable knockouts and a lackluster co-main event sandwiched between two amazing bouts. Jeff Wagenheim and Carlos Contreras Legaspi react to the pay-per-view and offer their biggest thoughts on the night.
Big fight nights headlined by championship bouts typically provide clarity. But what UFC 274 delivered instead was contradiction.
On Saturday night in Phoenix, Charles Oliveira stepped into the cage as UFC lightweight champion. He then choked out Justin Gaethje in the very first round — and walked out of the Octagon as ex-champ.
The reason for that mixed-up circumstance is that Oliveira had missed weight Friday, leaving the UFC to take away his title the moment his fight with Gaethje began. What that brought about, at the conclusion of the fight, was an empty feeling that something was missing — no “And still!” announcement by Bruce Buffer, no belt being wrapped around Oliveira’s waist by Dana White.
And yet one thing is undeniable: Belt or no belt, Charles Oliveira is the best 155-pound fighter on the planet.
That became evident during the 3 minutes, 22 seconds the fight lasted. Oliveira wobbled Gaethje in the opening minute, but moments later Gaethje dropped him with a punch. Then Gaethje dropped him again. But anyone who was thinking…
Source : espn
