“For Me, That’s Where He Won the Fight”- Teddy Atlas Breaks Down an Important Factor That Allowed Charles Oliveira to Secure a Submission Win Over Justin Gaethje
Charles Oliveira further cemented his place as one of the best lightweights to ever compete in the UFC with a quick submission win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 274. However, the title fight was marred with controversy as Oliveira missed weight by 0.5 pounds which meant that he was stripped of the title as soon as the bell rang for the first round.
Oliveira and his team suggested that the scale was not right which caused Oliveira to miss weight. Marc Ratner, UFC’s vice president of regulatory affairs, issued a statement in a recent interview. He said, “Well, first of all, let me say that the official scale, which is the one they weighed in on Friday with the athletic commission … 28 of the fighters made weight. So I’m very, very sure that there was nothing untoward on that scale. That scale was accurate.”
While Oliveira is not technically the champion, there is not doubt in the minds of the fighters as well as the fans that he is currently the best fighter at lightweight by a mile. Former boxing trainer Teddy Atlas who is an avid fan of the sport, shared his thoughts on the way Oliveira conducted himself after an impressive win over Gaethje.
He said, “Oliveira has gotten to the point where he knows how to behave like a champion. Which is the most important part of this equation, about being top in anything. Being a pro, whatever you want to define it as. We’re defining it right now being a champion and the behavior that’s connected to that. For me, that’s where he won the fight.”
Charles Oliveira has a plethora of options ahead of he mulls over his next opponent
Following an impressive win over Gaethje, Oliveira called out Conor McGregor for a fight. He has also welcomed challenges from the likes of Nate Diaz among other fighters.
Dana White, in his post-fight press conference, suggested that he might be inclined towards making a title fight between Makhachev and Oliveira in Abu Dhabi later this year.
Who do you think Charles Oliveira will fight next for the title? Let us know in the comments below!
