Charles Oliveira blew away Tony Ferguson in the co-main event of UFC 256, asserting himself as one of the top contenders in the lightweight division.
Tony Ferguson was looking to get back on track at UFC 256 against the red hot Charles Oliveira. Ferguson racked up 12 consecutive win that led to a title fight against Justin Gaethje. Ferguson, who had bested Rafael dos Anjos, Edson Barboza, and Donald Cerrone, was soundly beaten by Gaethje and suffered his first loss since 2012.
Oliveira has been with the promotion since 2010 and is currently on his best streak since then. “Do Bronx” has won seven straight contests and stopped every single opponent with five submissions and two knockouts. The most notable name on the streak is Kevin Lee.
Oliveira whipped a leg kick to start the fight and Ferguson answered with a combination. Strong one-two from Oliveira backed Ferguson up, then Ferguson fired back with an off-balance combination. Oliveira closed the distance, got the body lock and threw Ferguson down right into side control. He transitioned into full mount after Ferguson was able to get back to half guard briefly. Oliveira slammed some elbows down, going in and out of the grasp of Ferguson. With time winding down, Oliveira went for an armbar and nearly got the tap, but somehow Ferguson somehow survived to see the next round.
OMG! HOW DIDN'T TONY TAP!? #UFC256 pic.twitter.com/o6lonK9Q1R
— UFC (@ufc) December 13, 2020
Oliveira got an early takedown and was wriggling through the legs of Ferguson, eating an illegal upkick in the process that stopped the action. They got back to it and Oliveira had Ferguson folded like a lawn chair while posturing up to land big strikes. They eventually ended up in north-south with Oliveira in complete control of the fight.
Ferguson started firing kicks to start the third round and Oliveira caught one that led to another slam takedown. Oliveira worked his way to mount then rolled over for a triangle attempt, but Ferguson popped out. Oliveira then had side control and wasn’t letting Ferguson do anything productive. He ended the fight in side control to cap off an incredible 15 minutes for the Brazilian.
Just flawless execution 🤯 @CharlesDoBronxs is leaving NO DOUBT. #UFC256 pic.twitter.com/u3XNdD1rcj
— UFC (@ufc) December 13, 2020
Charles Oliveira def. Tony Ferguson by Unanimous Decision (30-26 x3)
