'This is a disgrace': Fighters react to Oliveira missing weight, losing UFC belt
Charles Oliveira's run as UFC champion came to an unceremonious end Friday, as he missed weight for his main-event bout against Justin Gaethje at UFC 274.
The fight will proceed as planned in Phoenix, but only Gaethje is eligible to capture the lightweight belt. If Oliveira wins, the title will remain vacant. It's the first time a champion missed weight in UFC history.
Several fighters reacted to the unprecedented development on Twitter:
Wonder if he still wants to fight at 145. I have nothing against the champ. But this is a disgrace. And I honestly feel most for Justin. What an absolute let down for everyone in the division. #sadday
— Paul Felder (@felderpaul) May 6, 2022
Big Drama
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) May 6, 2022
Anyway, keep your head up Charles and good luck tomorrow, we all know you’re champ for a reason. And I’m looking to fight the winner of this fight, either for vacant title or new LW champion 🏆
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) May 6, 2022
I was thinking Charles wins but I don't know now....crazy https://t.co/t9NG2M0Bor
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) May 6, 2022
Only time missing weight is somewhat okay is for a short notice fight don’t wanna be hard on the champ but you gotta do better than that bro #UFC274
— Sean BRADY (@seanbradymma) May 6, 2022
Crazy 😶 https://t.co/UwKOLwvAjJ
— Casey Oneill (@kingcaseymma) May 6, 2022
Congrats to the “genius” that messed with the fighter’s scale leaving it with a 0.5lb difference. We only found out when we were informed as we were coming down to check our official Weight. Luckly I was under so that didnt hurt me.
— Ariane “Sorriso” Carnelossi (@ArianeSorrisoo) May 6, 2022
If the scale being heavy is true that cannot happen! Unfortunate turn at UFC 274!
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) May 6, 2022