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
Light heavyweights Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr. will square off at UFC 303 as the co-main event with the Conor McGregor-Michael Chandler welterweight fight. Organizers confirmed their addition to…
Jon Jones is back on the comeback trail and has an eye on resuming his career. The heavyweight champion has been sidelined with a torn pectoral muscle that required surgery…
Justin Gaethje had the momentum in his fight at UFC 300 against Max Holloway — and saw it shift with one kick and one broken nose in the first round….
Jon Jones begins workouts, returning from pectoral surgery
Justin Gaethje credits Max Holloway: ‘He surprised me in a couple areas’
It’s official: Conor McGregor to fight Michael Chandler on June 29
Alex Pereira blitzes Jamahal Hill at UFC 300
Field Level Media - Professional sports content solutions | FLM
