The Scout: Oliveira vs Gaethje

Posted on May 6, 2022May 6, 2022 | Posted by The Scout

Charles Oliveira vs Justin Gaethje

The main event of UFC 274 sees the lightweight belt up for grabs when champion Charles Oliveira (32-8) meets Justin Gaethje (23-3) in a highly anticipated bout.

Oliveira arrives off the back of a ten fight win streak which includes finishes over Dustin Poirier (submission) and Michael Chandler (TKO). The 32-year-old Brazilian is in the best form of his career and is the UFC’s all-time leader in finishes and submission wins.

Gaethje has won five of his last six fights, with his only loss coming at the hands of former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Gaethje earnt his title shot with an explosive (and very entertaining) decision victory over Michael Chandler in November last year.

Oliveira is just about the most improved fighter in the UFC. His submission-heavy style of fighting was always there, but he has significantly improved his standup game and is now a serious threat on his feet. This was on full display in his knockout win over Michael Chandler.

Despite Gaethje’s strong wrestling background, his road to victory is to keep this fight standing for as long as possible, avoiding Oliveira’s elite grappling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. If he can keep the fight on his terms and tempt Oliveira into a stand-up battle, he should have the edge.

Oliveira’s versatility has become his biggest strength and what I think will be the difference in this fight. Khabib provided the blueprint on how an elite grappler can beat Gaethje, and I’m predicting a similar result here.

Suggested Bet: Oliveira by Submission @ $2.20*

*Odds correct as at 1pm, 6th May 2022.

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