Charles Oliveira was stripped of the UFC lightweight title and cannot reclaim it at the main event at UFC 274 on Saturday night after failing to make weight.
Given one hour to drop from 155.5 pounds to the required maximum weight limit of 155 on Friday, Oliveira was unable to shed the half-pound.
UFC confirmed the title was vacated immediately, leaving his opponent Justin Gaethje as the only fighter with a chance to become the lightweight champion on Saturday.
If Oliveira wins the bout, which will go on as scheduled regardless of his weight, he will not be the lightweight champion and the title will remain vacant.
The ruling is unprecedented in main event card UFC history.
UFC title fights do not apply a one-pound allowance typically afforded in non-championship bouts.
Oliveira, 32, has won 10 straight in the lightweight division.
–Field Level Media
Four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers will be ready when the New York Jets begin their offseason training activities on May 20. Coach Robert Saleh said Friday that the 40-year-old quarterback…
The Pittsburgh Pirates activated catcher Yasmani Grandal from the 10-day injured list on Friday. Grandal, 35, had been playing with Triple-A Indianapolis as he attempted to work his way back…
Andrey Rublev posted a 6-4, 6-3 win over Taylor Fritz on Friday to advance to the Mutua Madrid Open championship match. The seventh-seeded Russian recorded five aces and won 82.6…
Pirates activate C Yasmani Grandal from injured list
Andrey Rublev, Felix Auger-Aliassime move into Madrid final
LeBron James favored to stay with Lakers as potential suitors emerge
150th Kentucky Derby: Preview, Odds, Prediction