Who would have thought that this will happen? The world is in shock over UFC 274. Charles Oliveira, despite his long-time career somehow manages to allow himself to miss the requested weight. This is not something that happens often, at least not on the first classed fighters. They should know better.
I don’t understand the need to be on the very limit. Why would you not lose a pound more beforehand and not risk it?
Charles Oliveira Misses Weight For The Main Event – The Title Taken Away From Him
As a result of his carelessness, now the current lightweight champion Oliviera is no more champion. The title is not his anymore. And moreover he doesn’t have a chance to win it back, even if he wins the bout.
The champion should have had a weight somewhere between 146lbs to 155lbs in order to fight for the title. Unfortunately, Do Bronx’s weight is higher by 1lbs, 156lbs. He was stripped down and was given one more chance, but again, he missed the weight by 0,5lbs.
The Champion is given one more try. An additional hour is added to his time, for which time he should lose the extra half a pound. One hour has been passing, and the anticipation in the fans and followers has been building up to the maximum level. Finally, the moment has come. He steps on the scale once more, this time for final measurement. His weight is still 155.5lbs.
If this would have been a non-championship bout, the missed weight would not have been a problem. In non-title fights, there is a rule that allows the fighters to miss the weight by a maximum of 1lbs. However, this time, this is not the case. The UFC is supposing that the title bout fighters are already aware of their weight and do not need an excuse for this. As a professional, you should have control over your weight. On the contrary, if you are so much ‘out of control’ that you cannot fine-tune your body to the needed weight in the period of several weeks, then something is seriously wrong with you as a fighter.
Nevertheless, the fight will still take place. It will be an interesting bout. However, due to the fact that Oliveira is not in a position to even keep the belt even if he wins, he would lose much of the built-up adrenaline and will to fight. This might cause only one thing. Might cause him to lose his edge, and not focus enough on the fight and on the fact that he needs to give the full maximum to win.
Gathje on the other hand weighed exactly 155 pounds. He was within the weight limit and did show more professionalism than Oliveira. The challenger will have a chance to become a lightweight champion, with one major difference. He would be able to become the first 155lbs champion.
We will see what would happen tomorrow. However, we cannot expect the same outcome as previously. This will take its toll on Oliveira. And it most certainly is a toll he must pay.
