Charles Oliveria vs Justin Gaethje’s bout expectations

What does Charles Oliveira’s weight miss mean for Justin Gaethje ahead of Saturday’s bout? And what is Gaethje going after?

Reem AbdalazemUpdate: May 7th, 2022 08:21 EDT

Chris UngerGetty

Justin Gaethje (23-3-0) and Charles Oliveira’s (32-7-1) fight this weekend for the UFC’s Lightweight title may be one of the division’s greatest fights in history.

The UFC 274 fight is set to take place tonight, May 7, at Footprint Center in Phoenix Arizona.

Due to Oliveira’s weight miss, the Brazilian has been stripped of his UFC lightweight belt, even though he currently remains the UFC Lightweight Champion. This means that upon the start of tonight’s bout, Oliveira will vacate the 155-pound title and the championship will be on the line for the former Interim Champion, Gaethje.

What happens if Oliveria wins against Gaethje?

If the Brazilian native wins, he will be the first contender for the vacant Lightweight Championship and will take on the next challenger for the undisputed title whenever time and place are determined.

UFC 274: Oliveira vs. Gaethje expectations

Oliveira, who has won 10 consecutive fights since 2018, has been the most dangerous fighter in UFC history. However, his vacant title win against Michael Chandler when he almost got knocked out resulted in a fair amount of damage, and Gaethje is intentional in pursuing a knockout.

Gathje talking smack ahead of Oliveira bout

Gaethje has been referring to Oliveira as a “coward” and a “quitter” heading into tonight’s bout, but the 32-year-old Brazilian prefers responding to him with his performance.