“What the UFC did was straight-up disrespectful, because I always like to check my weight on Thursday, the night before. So I already had the confidence…but I was already hearing rumors around from other people and other fighters as well that the scale was uncalibrated,” confirmed Charles Oliveira earlier this year while speaking on the JAXXON podcast about how Dana White & Co. did a grave “injustice” to him. Back in 2022, the MMA world was stunned to discover that before ‘Do Bronxs’s second title defense against former interim champion Justin Gaethje at UFC 274, Oliveira weighed 0.5 pounds over the limit.
As a result, the Dana White & Co. had stripped Charles Oliveira of his title. However, the former champ maintained that the UFC had mishandled the weigh-in process, claiming that the scale “wasn’t calibrated” properly. Despite his explanation, the organization ignored his claims, and the fight still proceeded. Gaethje was the only one eligible to claim the gold, but ‘Do Bronx’ made a strong statement by submitting Gaethje with a rear-naked choke. Nevertheless, the controversy didn’t die down. In response, Dana White promised to hire a guard to monitor the scales in future events.
Meanwhile, the Arizona State Athletic Commission chose not to get involved, leaving the UFC to handle the matter. For Charles Oliveira, the impact of that moment remains fresh. Recently, he opened up about the experience in an interview with Kolmenero on YouTube. When asked about the most “painful” moments in his career, the Brazilian couldn’t help but reflect on that tumultuous period, saying, “I think when I lost, I had a timely title, but it had become difficult. Then I had a problem with the scales, and when I had the opportunity to fight for the title again, that was when… I didn’t fight, I didn’t struggle, I didn’t find myself.”
June 9, 2023, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: CHARLES OLIVEIRA of Brazil poses on the scale during the UFC 289 official weigh-in at the Westin Bayshore hotel on June 09, 2023 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Vancouver Canada – ZUMAc132 20230609_zap_c132_034 Copyright: xAndrewxChinx
The painful moment became a defining chapter in Charles Oliveira’s life. UFC history now forever remembers him as the first and only fighter stripped off the belt for weighing over the limit. For the MMA world, it was a harsh punishment, especially for being just half a pound over the limit. Even former champions like Daniel Cormier criticized the commission, calling it “the most egregious” mistake.
Former 205-pound champion Glover Teixeira also showed his support for ‘Do Bronx’, blaming the faulty scale and labeling the decision a “ridiculous” move by Dana White & Co. to strip the Brazilian fighter’s belt over an unreliable weighing system. Despite calls from veterans and active fighters, alike, for the introduction of digital scales—the UFC continues to rely on traditional boxing scales. Since that controversial incident, Charles Oliveira has never missed weight again and remains determined to reclaim the title. Now, let’s hear from the Brazilian.
Charles Oliveira clarifies his intentions to fight Islam Makhachev for the title
The UFC lightweight division is widely recognized as one of the most competitive and stacked divisions in the promotion. However, finding the most deserving challenger for Islam Makhachev has become a significant challenge for Dana White & Co. With contenders like Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira consistently being mentioned as top options for Makhachev’s next opponent, the recent news that Ilia Topuria will vacate his featherweight title has only complicated matters further. All the aforementioned challengers have strong cases for a shot at the reigning lightweight champion.
Despite this, Khabib’s team has made it clear that they will not grant Topuria an immediate title shot, insisting he must prove his eligibility by facing a top contender first. Earlier this month, Ilia Topuria received a challenge from Charles Oliveira. This week, 35-year-old ‘Do Bronx’ made a significant shift in his previous stance, expressing his determination to reclaim the title he lost.
Speaking with Alvaro Colenero, the Brazilian stated, “I’m looking for a title, and today, that champion is Islam Makhachev. Topuria is a very tough guy…but right now, I don’t see it as a big fight. If I’m looking for a title, well, I have to fight Makhachev in order to win and become the champion again.”
What’s your opinion on the Charles Oliveira-UFC scale controversy? Was it justified for the UFC to strip ‘Do Bronxs’ of his belt for being 0.5 pounds over the limit? Do you believe the Brazilian is the most deserving challenger for the title against Islam Makhachev? Feel free to share your thoughts below.
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