The UFC left us with another eventful card at UFC 274. The main card consisted of some wild knockouts and finishes, while a couple of other fights left us frustrated and wanting more – yeah, I’ll call out Rose Namajunas for not putting any effort in defending her title. However, congrats to the amazing Carla Esparza for becoming a champion once again.
I have to mention Michael Chandler’s round two knockouts against Tony Ferguson. Long story short, Chandler threw the most perfect front kick to squish Tony’s jaw making him drop like a log. Now, that was a wicked knockout, but it also pained me to see that happen to a legend like Tony.
Now, the fight I want to recap will be the main event between Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje. Oliveira defended his title once again and proved, again, why he is the best UFC Lightweight in the world. Read below for my UFC 274 Oliveira vs. Gaethje fight recap.
UFC Lightweight Title Main Event Bout
The UFC Odds for this title bout were Charles Oliveira (-145) and Justin Gaethje (+115) at BMR's top-rated sportsbooks. The value behind Gaethje was extremely appealing to me.
In my UFC prediction, I envision Gaethje having the upper hand with his striking power and also defending against the majority of the Champs takedowns. Well, I was clearly wrong. Charles Oliveira defended his title once again against one of the baddest guys in the division.
Round 1 - Oliveira began the fight with some heavy striking that wobbled Gaethje a bit, but Gaethje returned with heavy leg kicks of his own. They started to exchange hands early!
Oliveira landed a heavy right hand that wobbled Gaethje again. Gaethje landed a clean uppercut to drop Oliveira back. Gaethje has him stand back up. Oliveira ate another left hook and dropped to the mat again!
Oliveira clearly wanted the fight on the ground as he waited for Gaethje to attack. Gaethje let him back up and you can see the Champ already getting cut upon his eye.
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Gaethje threw big left hooks; Oliveira pressured back and landed a left of his own. Oliveira checking at Gaethje’s legs now. Gaethje now loading up heavy with his punches; he was clearly looking to end the find.
Oliveira now apply the forward pressure; he landed a clean right hand to drop Gaethje! Oliveira now on the ground with Gaethje, exactly where he wanted and needed him to be. Oliveira slid his arm under Gaethje’s chin; Gaethje tries to escape but only gave the Champ a better position under his chin. And then…..the tap!
Charles Oliveira defeated Justin Gaethje by submission (rear-naked choke) at 03:22 in the first round.
What an exciting and hair-raising fight, even if you were a Gaethje bettor!
Seeing Justin Gaethje lose was heartbreaking as a fan and as a bettor, however, seeing Oliveira secure another title defense with another submission victory was very impressive.
Up next in the UFC, we have another exciting card at UFC Vegas 54: Blachowicz vs. Rakic on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at the UFC Apex. Check out the main card below:
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.