The UFC future of one bantamweight fighter hangs in the balance after he significantly exceeded his division`s limit, nearing the featherweight threshold.
Drama unfolded just one day before UFC Rio as a fighter scheduled to compete on Saturday night nearly missed weight by an entire weight class.
A host of Brazilian fighters were set to perform for their home crowd on October 11, with the Octagon returning to Farmasi Arena. Among those paving the way for Charles Oliveira`s return in the main event was Saimon Oliveira. Following three consecutive losses since his Dana White’s Contender Series victory, he seemed to be fighting for his career.
However, the 34-year-old fighter with an 18-6 record may have squandered any chance of a continued stay in the UFC before even stepping into the cage, due to what transpired at Friday`s weigh-ins…
Saimon Oliveira Misses Weight by 8 Pounds for UFC Rio
Oliveira was the last competitor to step onto the scale. After 23 fighters before him successfully met their divisional limits, the 34-year-old had the opportunity to complete a perfect weigh-in.
But Oliveira not only failed to make weight, he wasn`t even close.
The UFC fighter astonished onlookers by weighing in at 144 pounds for his scheduled bantamweight bout against Luan Lacerda. This is a remarkable eight pounds over the division`s non-title fight limit of 136 pounds.
While many immediately expected this bout to be canceled, joining the Valter Walker vs. Mohammed Usman fight that was already scrapped, the promotion has confirmed that the fight is still scheduled to proceed.
Guilherme Cruz of MMA Fighting has since reported that Oliveira will be fined 50% of his purse due to the weight miss and will not be permitted to weigh more than 155 pounds upon his arrival at the arena on Saturday night.
Fans reacted with shock to Oliveira`s miss, and many anticipate this will mark the end of his Octagon career, regardless of Saturday`s fight outcome.
- “Did he think the fight was at featherweight?”
- “100% getting cut, amateur hour.”
- “UFC`s fault for keeping a guy who`s 0-3 on the roster.”
- “0-3 too, definitely gets cut.”
- “Oh hell naw, you gotta get cut after that.”
- “8lbs??? Cut this dude.”
UFC Rio Main Event Confirmed as Charles Oliveira and Mateusz Gamrot Make Weight
Fortunately, there were no such issues with the headlining fighters at the weigh-ins.
Both Charles Oliveira and Mateusz Gamrot successfully weighed in at 156 pounds, officially confirming their UFC Rio main event at Farmasi Arena.
The Polish standout managed to cut the necessary pounds despite taking the fight on short notice. “Gamer” received the opportunity to face the former champion after Rafael Fiziev withdrew from the Oliveira fight due to an injury.
