UFC 274 took place in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, in the main event of which former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira secured the right to compete for the vacant championship belt by defeating Justin Gaethje in the main event.
The Brazilian fighter, who lost his title at the official weigh-in due to an overweight, as promised, immediately went on the attack, missed a powerful blow in the exchange, and fell on his back, inviting his opponent to build on his success on the ground. Gaethje decided not to take risks, and allowed the enemy to go up to the construction site, and soon knocked Oliveira down again with an accurate blow. Rising for the second time, the Brazilian, whose face was already covered with blood by the middle of the round, not only returned to the fight, but also responded with an accurate attack, knocking the American down, after which he took his back and strangled him from behind, forcing Gagey to signal surrender.
In a post-match interview, Charles Oliveira said that he still considers himself a true division champion, and also made it clear that he was counting on a fight with Conor McGregor, who plans to return this year after breaking his leg.
In the co-main event of the event, former UFC strawweight champion Carla Esparza regained her championship belt with a five-round split decision over Rose Namajunas.
In twenty-five minutes, the participants in the title fight showed a minimum of active actions and gave out one of the most insignificant championship matches in the history of the organization, for which they were rewarded with a disgruntled roar from the stands.
At the same time, Joe Rogan, who spoke with Esparza after the fight, told the fans that the newly minted UFC champion was getting married in a week, which somewhat softened their hearts.
In the third-biggest event of the tournament, former Bellator champion and former UFC lightweight title contender Michael Chandler put his career back on track after two losses in a row with a stoppage victory over Tony Ferguson.
Already at the beginning of the first round, having been knocked down, Chandler, at the first opportunity, transferred the fight to the ground, where he controlled the opponent until the signal for a break. Chender started the second five-minute period with an accurate front kick to Ferguson’s jaw, which sent El Kukui into a deep knockout and put an end to this confrontation.
In an interview after the fight, Michael Chandler, without a doubt claiming the “Knockout of the Year”, said that he wants to see his next opponent either the winner of the title fight between Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje, or Conor McGregor.
Among other results of the event, we note the successful performance of Ovince Saint Proux, who defeated the legendary Mauricio “Shogun” Hua in three rounds by a separate decision, as well as the early victories of Brandon Royval and Andre Fialho.
As for the duel between Donald Cerrone and Joe Lauzon, it was canceled right during the show due to Cowboy’s indisposition.
All UFC 274 results.
