UFC 274 LIVE results: Oliveira vs Gaethje stream and latest updates tonight
Re-live updates from the main card and prelims
Charles Oliveira submitted Justin Gaethje in the first round of the UFC 274 main event on Saturday, as the Brazilian took the first step on what he hopes will be his road back to the lightweight title.
Oliveira missed weight by half-a-pound on Friday, and as a result he was stripped of the lightweight belt that he had won last year. The 32-year-old was also ineligible to win back the gold in his clash with Gaethje, who would have become the new champion if he had beaten Oliveira. The American came close at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, knocking down Oliveira twice in a chaotic first round but refusing to follow the jiu-jitsu black belt to the mat. On both occasions, Oliveira was able to stand and recover, before securing his own knockdown of Gaethje with a perfect straight right punch later in the round.
Oliveira, who holds the records for most finishes and most submission wins in UFC history, pounced at once. The Brazilian took Gaethje’s back and considered his submission options, before locking in a rear naked choke and forcing the former interim champion to tap out in his home state of Arizona.
Re-live updates from the UFC 274 main card and prelims, below.
UFC 274
Namajunas vs Esparza – Round 4
Another takedown by Esparza, who briefly takes the back!
But Namajunas slips out from under the challenger, and they return to trading on the feet – or rather, not trading on the feet.
Esparza with another takedown – this time with a German suplex almost. Again, Namajunas recovers quickly.
This has been the most eventful round so far. That’s not saying much, but it’s definitely a round to Esparza.
UFC 274
Namajunas vs Esparza – Round 3
Esparza again gets a takedown, but again Namajunas jumps right back to her feet.
More inactivity, more boos.
UFC 274
Namajunas vs Esparza – Round 2
Esparza ducks under a jab and secures a single-leg takedown, but Namajunas is right back on her feet.
Namajunas keeps backing up, seemingly wary of Esparza’s wrestling abilities...
The crowd is booing again.
UFC 274
Namajunas vs Esparza – Round 1
An uneventful start. Both women are at a distance. Esparza tries a Superwoman punch from range.
Still very little being thrown from either fighter.
Boos from the crowd due to the distinct lack of activity through five minutes.
UFC 274
Namajunas is on her way to the ring and keeps saying to herself: “I’m the best.”
It’s become a bit of a catchphrase.
Esparza awaits in the ring.
UFC 274
Esparza is getting married next week; this will be a month full of celebrations if she wins tonight!
UFC 274
This is Namajunas’ second reign as UFC strawweight champion.
The American first won the belt in 2017 before losing it in 2019.
She regained the strap last year, however, by knocking out Zhang Weili. Namajunas then outpointed the Chinawoman to retain the gold last time out.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments