5 reasons why Charles Oliveira has an edge over Justin Gaethje in their UFC title clash

#2. Oliveira Is Durable

UFC 269: Oliveira v Poirier

Oliveira has been criticized in the past for giving up when things got tough. Fans and fighters alike have spotted occurrences when it seemed that Oliveira just didn't want to be in the octagon anymore.

While that might've been the case, the lack of heart is long gone now. Oliveira's last two performances saw him get significantly hurt, but come back to secure a finish. Chandler and Poirier did beautifully in giving Oliveira a way out, but he's finally found that toughness that he was lacking.

While Gaethje is also as tough as they come, Oliveira isn't going to go down easy and Gaethje shouldn't think that he will. The durability of the championship will make it all much harder for Gaethje.

#1. The Jiu Jitsu Of Oliveira

UFC 262: Charles Oliveira v Michael Chandler

The primary threat against Gaethje in his second title opportunity will be the submissions of Oliveira. Having already lost a title shot to Khabib Nurmagomedov with a second-round triangle choke and now fighting Oliveira, Gaethje must be working diligently on his jiu jitsu.

Oliviera is a different animal on the mat though. He's crafty and relentless - possibly the best submission-grappler in the UFC at the moment. Charles Oliveira has been a threat to anyone who's been willing to entertain a jiu jitsu match with him.

Gaethje will need to focus his game around not going to the mat with Oliveira, but that's a very difficult task. In his first title defense against Poirier, Oliveira took the back from a standing position, showing that his grappling is effective regardless of takedowns.