How did Charles Oliveira lose his title?

Charles Oliveira da Silva, born October 17, 1989, hails from Brazil and boasts a stellar career as a professional mixed martial artist. A prodigy in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Oliveira's journey to MMA began in 2007 after clinching numerous championship titles in his martial arts discipline. Within the UFC's Lightweight division, Oliveira's prowess has been unmatched, leading him to once claim the title of UFC Lightweight Champion. His accolades within the organization are staggering, holding records for the most submission wins, tallying an impressive 16 victories, and the most finishes with 20.

Presently, Oliveira commands the #2 spot in the UFC lightweight rankings, solidifying his status as one of the division's most formidable competitors. Furthermore, ‘Do Bronx’ is now preparing to square off against Michael Chandler at UFC 309 on November 16, 2024.

Charles Oliveira's title loss

Charles Oliveira lost his coveted belt due to a weight-related mishap during the weigh-ins for UFC 274. Oliveira tipped the scales at 155.5 pounds, exceeding the 155-pound limit for the lightweight division. As a result, he was stripped of his title, making him the first champion to lose the belt due to weight issues.

Despite the circumstances surrounding the bout, the fight proceeded with only Justin Gaethje having the opportunity to claim the title with a victory; Charles Oliveira's win wouldn't secure him the championship. However, Oliveira defied the odds, showcasing his dominance in the lightweight division by securing a submission victory, reaffirming his status as the premier fighter in this division.

Also Read: Does Charles Oliveira have bad eyesight?

Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev

Oliveira's victory over Gaethje solidified his position as the top contender in the lightweight division, ensuring his shot at the title in the next bout. However, his opponent for the championship fight was Islam Makhachev, who at the time, was on a 13-fight winning streak.

The fight took place at UFC 280 on October 22, 2022. In the opening round, Makhachev showcased his grappling prowess by securing takedowns and delivering ground-and-pound strikes. Oliveira managed to land an up kick but found himself on the defensive for the majority of the round. Makhachev's effective control earned him a 10-9 score from the judges.

In Round 2, Makhachev attempted another takedown against the cage but was unable to secure it. Both fighters exchanged strikes without landing anything significant until Makhachev connected with a powerful right hook that dropped Oliveira. Capitalizing on the opportunity, Makhachev swiftly transitioned to an arm triangle choke, forcing Oliveira to submit. With this victory, Makhachev ascended to the throne as the new lightweight champion.

*Last updated on November 9, 2024.