“Precision beats power and timing beats speed” - Fans debate whether Charles Oliveira is the hardest hitting lightweight in the UFC

MMA fans have been debating whether or not former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira is the hardest puncher in the 155lb division.

The debate comes after Justin Gaethje, who lost to Oliveira at UFC 274, said the Brazilian's punches were the hardest he'd taken.

Gaethje appeared at a press conference during UFC 278's media week and was asked his thoughts on the upcoming title bout between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev. 'The Highlight' described his experience taking shots from 'Do Bronx':

"Yeah I mean it’s a feeling, a feeling I’ve never felt. You know usually when you get hit, you call it a buzz, you call it a flash, this is more like my tongue was stuck on a super powerful battery. “

Catch Gaethje's comments here:

MMA fans have been discussing the American's comments, with one fan suggesting that it was Oliveira's technique that made his shots seem so powerful.

"Precision beats power, and timing beats speed. That's what makes Charles seem like such a hard hitter."

A Reddit users comment

Another fan was shocked by the Brazilian's recent performances and never considered him a heavy hitter until his performances against Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler.

"It's so confusing because I never thought Oliveira was the hardest hitter but him just blasting Gaetje and Chandler makes me wanna think his power might be comparable or even higher than Chandler and Gaethje."

One fan surprised by Oliveira's recent performances

Check out more fan reactions below:

The rest of the fan reaction

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Joe Rogan breaks down what makes Charles Oliveira an exciting fighter

While all MMA fans will have their eyes locked firmly on UFC 280's main-event next weekend, Joe Rogan recently explained why Charles Oliveira is such an entertaining fighter.

The UFC color commentator won't be cageside at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi, but the 54-year-old previously discussed 'Do Bronx' on his podcast. Rogan stated that it is Oliveira's willingness to put himself in danger to find a finish as the reason he's so beloved by fans. It's also what makes him such a threat to his opponents:

"Here's what's interesting about Charles Oliveira... when Charles Oliveira fights, even though he's the champion, he fights like a berserker. He puts himself in danger, like he doesn't fight safe. He doesn't fight to try to outpoint you. He doesn't fight tactically, like where he's trying to get the least amount of damage and drag you into deep water."

As a former champ of the division, Olivieria currently holds the record for the most finishes (20) and most submissions (16) in UFC history. The Brazilian has fought the most elite competition in recent times, dispatching Michael Chandler, Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier all within the last 18 months.

Catch Joe Rogan's comments here: