Charles Oliveira

Charles Oliveira dominates Tony Ferguson at UFC 256

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In the co-main event of UFC 256 we had a lightweight clash between Tony Ferguson (25-4) and Charles Oliveira (29-8). Heading into tonight, this lightweight battle was being labeled as the people’s main event.

Tony Ferguson saw his 12-fight winning streak snapped back at UFC 249. That night, Ferguson was finished by Justin Gaethje in a battle for the interim lightweight title. Ferguson’s winning streak was unheard of for this stacked division.

El Cucuy was looking to get back to his winning ways, but he was going to have his hands full. Charles Oliveira entered UFC 256 looking like the fighter many always believed that he could be.

For Oliveira it was never a question on how talented he was. However, he always seemed to struggle in big moments. Yet, entering UFC 256, Oliveira was on a seven-fight winning streak where he finished all seven opponents.

UFC 256 Recap

Round 1

As the UFC 256 co-main event got underway, both men touched gloves. Oliveira opened the striking with a front kick to the body. Oliveira then throwed a powerful leg kick that Ferguson countered with a stiff jab. Ferguson seemed to be on his back foot early on.

Oliveira was really pressing forward with power shots early on. A big head kick landed for Oliveira, but Ferguson was game throwing big shots of his own. The two clinched and Oliveira picked Ferguson up and slammed him to the ground.

Oliveira settled into Ferguson’s butterfly guard. Then, Oliveira transitioned beautifully into the mount position and Ferguson tried to just hold him in place. Ferguson attempted to buck Oliveira off a few times, but he ate some big elbows.

The former UFC interim champion appeared to be in big trouble in the first. Oliveira was doing fantastic of using top pressure to keep Ferguson in place. Oliveira then sunk in an armbar just as the round ended and had it fully extended. Somehow Ferguson didn’t tap, but a massive round for Oliveira.

Round 2

The second round of the UFC 256 co-main event got underway with Ferguson throwing body kicks. However, Ferguson’s arm looked completely compromised and he wasn’t throwing it. A minute into the round and Oliveira took him back down.

Once on the ground, Ferguson was trying to attack from his back, but Oliveira was doing a good job of controlling him. Oliveira did a good job of stacking Tony Ferguson and throwing big shots right down the middle.

The former UFC champion was getting beat up in the second round. Oliveira was just doing a fantastic job of controlling Ferguson on the ground and beating him while doing it. The round closes with more top control from Oliveira. 2-0 for Oliveira in this one after two.

Round 3

The former UFC interim champion needed a finish heading into the third round. Ferguson opened with a nice body kick and a hook. Oliveira then started his striking with a body kick that buckled Ferguson’s leg.

A minute into the round and Oliveira shot in and slammed Ferguson back to the ground. Oliveira was able to work his way to the mount with three minutes to work. Ferguson tried to roll, but found himself caught in a triangle choke.

However, Ferguson was able to get out, but Oliveira was able to get back into the top position. Ferguson was able to sneak out the back, but Oliveira took him right back to the ground. The final round comes to a close with Oliveira in side control. Dominance from the start to finish for Oliveira.

Charles Oliveira def. Tony Ferguson by Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

UFC 256 Preview: Tony Ferguson – Charles Oliveira

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Tony Ferguson, UFC

The UFC 256 co-main event is being labeled as the people’s main event. Top seven lightweights go to war as Tony Ferguson (25-4) looks to bounce back against Charles Oliveira (29-8, 1 NC).

Ferguson is coming off of his first loss since 2012 at UFC 256. Back in May of this year in the promotion’s first event back after the pandemic shutdown, Ferguson fought Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title.

Originally, Ferguson was supposed to face Khabib Nurmagomedov, but that fight was cancelled because Khabib couldn’t travel. Gaethje stepped in and was able to finish Tony Ferguson in the fifth round of their fight.

El Cucuy was truly the boogey man of the UFC‘s lightweight division over the last eight years. He’s creative style that combines slick ground transitions and crisp striking is difficult for any lightweight to deal with. Despite the loss, he’s still one of the very best in the world.

Standing across from Ferguson will be “do Bronx”, Charles Oliveira. Oliveira is on an incredible run that is almost unheard of. He’s won seven fights in a row leading to UFC 256. However, the more impressive aspect is that he’s finished all seven of those fights.

Oliveira has been really putting everything together over the last three years. He’s finally been living up to his potential inside the octagon. Talent was never the question for Oliveira, it was all about execution when the lights are at their brightest.

UFC 256 Prediction

Words cannot describe how excited I am for this matchup at UFC 256. I’m right with the fans in saying that this is a main event to me. The only thing disappointing is that I wish this was a five round fight instead of three.

Both of these guys are good wherever the fight goes. Oliveira and Ferguson both possess incredible skills on the ground. Slick submissions with very creative transitions. Honestly, I might give the pure jiu jitsu advantage to Oliveira, but the scrambling advantage to Ferguson.

On the feet, Oliveira has looked very sharp in his last few outings. However, I lean slightly towards Ferguson in the striking specifically his boxing. I think this is such a fantastic matchup, but there’s one thing that has me leaning one way.

El Cucuy has been there and he’s done that. The former interim UFC lightweight champion has defeated some of the very best in the world. I think in this fight, Ferguson is going to be able to do what he needs to for the win. I expect a war, but in the end, I’m riding with El Cucuy.

Prediction: Tony Ferguson by Unanimous Decision

UFC: Michael Chandler is in camp, but who is he fighting?

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Michael Chandler

Earlier this year, the UFC made headlines when they signed top lightweight, Michael Chandler (21-5). Chandler had been a Bellator champion on a number of occasions. He was always considered to be one of the best in the world.

However, with him fighting outside the UFC, there have always been questions on just how good he is. Chandler wanted to prove himself and see for himself just how good he is which is why he took a deal with the UFC.

He recently stated the the UFC was not offering him the most money. However, they provided the best competition which is what meant the most to Chandler. Originally, Chandler was supposed to make his debut at UFC 254 against either Tony Ferguson or Dustin Poirier.

The UFC tried to make a fight between Ferguson and Poirier, but after that fell through, they tried booking either against Chandler. A fight never materialized between Chandler and either of those top contenders.

Instead, Chandler still flew out to Fight Island, but as the backup for the UFC 254 main event. Chandler said it was his way of showing the UFC and the world that he is willing to take anything that they throw at him.

Recently, Chandler posted on Instagram that he was starting up his fight camp. He has aspirations to fight on the UFC 257 card which features the rematch between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier. So, who is Chandler training for?

Chandler at UFC 257?

Based on Michael Chandler being in camp, the safe assumption is that the plan is for Chandler to fight in January. With that in mind, there are a couple of potential opponents for Chandler to face at UFC 257.

The front-runner in my opinion is Justin Gaethje (22-3). Gaethje is the top ranked lightweight in the UFC and the former interim champion. Gaethje said he needs to get a win before fighting for the title again, and Chandler needs an opponent.

Chandler has openly expressed his desire to fight Justin Gaethje. Another opportunity would be Dan Hooker (20-9). Hooker is currently ranked fifth in the division and he said that he wanted to send Chandler back to the B-Leagues.

The UFC could also turnaround either Tony Ferguson or Charles Oliveira if one of them wins without taking too much damage this weekend. No matter what, Chandler’s first opponent will be a top five lightweight. We should know sooner than later who that opponent is.

UFC Matchmaker: Justin Gaethje – Michael Chandler

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There is so much movement and so many exciting things happening in the UFC‘s lightweight division. Just this past week, we saw the Conor McGregor – Dustin Poirier rematch made official and Tony Ferguson will be fighting Charles Oliveira. 

Both of those are insane matchups for fight fans. That being said, there are even more exciting matchups on the horizon for the UFC‘s lightweight division. The biggest MMA signing in 2020 had to be Michael Chandler signing with the UFC.

The former three time Bellator lightweight champion will finally get the chance to prove himself amongst the elite. However, the promotion has not been able to find Chandler an opponent quite yet.

Chandler was the backup for UFC 254 when Justin Gaethje took on Khabib Nurmagomedov. That night, Nurmagomedov ran through Gaethje to retain his UFC lightweight championship then announced his retirement. Although, his retirement seems to be up in the air.

Justin Gaethje wanted to get right back into the swing of things after the loss. He didn’t take much damage and he was itching to get back into the cage. Gaethje needs an opponent and Michael Chandler still isn’t booked. You see where I’m going with this?

Will the UFC book it?

I think given the current landscape, it makes all the sense in the world to have Justin Gaethje (22-3) fight Michael Chandler (21-5). It’s an excellent stylistic matchup for fans and both guys need a fight.

Chandler was trying to fight Tony Ferguson at UFC 257 when McGregor takes on Poirier. However, Ferguson was adamant about fighting in 2020 which is how he landed on the Charles Oliveira fight.

By all accounts, Chandler wants to make his UFC debut in January. Justin Gaethje is wanting to get back into the cage so it makes sense to pair the two. The other option for either man would be Dan Hooker.

Unfortunately for Hooker, he appears to be the odd man out at the moment. Ariel Helwani said yesterday that it appears that Michael Chandler might have an opponent for UFC 257. Hooker has been calling for a fight with Gaethje while we haven’t heard much from the former interim champion.

My guess is that the promotion is moving to book Gaethje – Chandler. In theory, the winner of that fight would fight the winner of the McGregor – Poirier fight sometime next summer. If Khabib is truly done, the winners would face for the undisputed UFC lightweight championship.

In this scenario the two odd men out would be whoever wins between Ferguson – Oliveira and Dan Hooker. Given the timelines, I wouldn’t be shocked to see the UFC book those two against each other sometime in the spring.

UFC books Tony Ferguson – Charles Oliveira

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Tony Ferguson, UFC

Some breaking news has come in tonight on the UFC front. ESPN’s Brett Okamoto was first to report this evening that the promotion is finalizing a big time lightweight matchup between Tony Ferguson (25-4) and Charles Oliveira (29-8, 1 NC).

The fight will take place on December 12th at UFC 256. This fight is a much needed addition to the UFC 256 card that has seen two title fights erased from the card due to injuries. Ferguson was originally calling for a fight with Michael Chandler on that card. 

However, Chandler countered offering to fight Ferguson in January. Ferguson came back to the UFC and said that he wanted to fight in December and they found a willing opponent in Charles Oliveira.

Ferguson hasn’t fought since he lost to Justin Gaethje back in May. Prior to that loss, Ferguson hadn’t lost since 2012. The former interim UFC lightweight champion has remained the boogey man of the division for a reason.

This is a massive opportunity for Charles Oliveira. Oliveira has always been looked at as someone with tremendous talent, but he never quite put everything together. Well, he’s currently on a seven fight winning strike that has found him ranked sixth in the UFC‘s lightweight division.

UFC 256 lightweight showdown

This is such a fantastic matchup for the UFC 256 card. It’s a good fight and a fun fight stylistically. If you look at the skillset of both men, the fight on paper would favor the former UFC interim champion, Tony Ferguson.

You have to imagine that Ferguson will have the advantage on the feet. Ferguson is extremely slick on the ground, however, on the ground is where Oliveira is likely going to have the advantage.

If this fight touches the mat, I’m expecting some very entertaining reversals and scrambles. On the feet, I think these two are going to scrap. UFC 256 needed a banger and it got a good one in Tony Ferguson – Charles Oliveira.

What’s next for Rafael Dos Anjos after UFC Vegas 14?

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A lot of praise is being thrown at Paul Felder (17-6) after UFC Vegas 14. The Irish Dragon stepped up on short notice to take on Rafael Dos Anjos (30-13) to save the main event from being scrapped.

While Felder should get a ton of praise, the former UFC lightweight champion should also get some praise. It’s a dangerous thing to take a fight on five days’ notice against an opponent who’s completely different from the opponent you were fighting.

Islam Makhachev is known for his great wrestling. Dos Anjos was prepping for a UFC main event where he’d have to be grappling the majority of the time. Instead, he had to switch to prepare for an elite striker like Paul Felder.

It was a gamble, but it paid off. The former UFC champion used his wrestling and grappling to get the better of Felder over the course of five rounds. In doing so, Dos Anjos made a successful return to the lightweight division.

After struggling with weight cuts a few years ago, RDA decided to move up to welterweight. After initial success, Dos Anjos struggled with the bigger guys at the top of the division. Dos Anjos went 1-4 in his last five which prompted the move back down to lightweight.

What’s next after UFC Vegas 14?

Saturday night was a big first step for the former UFC champion. It wasn’t just about getting the win, but it was about making the weight and not having it impact his cardio. RDA looked great over the course of a grueling five round war.

After the win, Dos Anjos called for a fight with Conor McGregor since they were the only two previous undisputed lightweight champions in the division. McGregor responded saying he was in after he defeats Dustin Poirier.

However, I don’t think RDA is going to go right to the top just yet. I think the UFC will try to give him another matchup against a top contender before getting someone like Conor McGregor.

If I was playing match maker, I think a great fight would be RDA and Charles Oliveira (29-8, 1 NC). Oliveira is currently ranked sixth in the UFC‘s lightweight division and he’s won seven in a row. The winner of that fight would vault right to the top of the lightweight division.