The UFC lightweight title will be on the line this spring.
ESPN reports that the much-anticipated fight between reigning champion Charles Oliveira and former interim champion Justin Gaethje is set for UFC 274 on May 7, 2022. The location of the event has yet to be determined.
Oliveira (32-8) is riding an impressive ten fight win-streak that has seen him emerge as one of the preeminent talents in the sport today. In particular, his run since March of 2020 has elevated his standing as he bested opponents such as Kevin Lee, Tony Ferguson, and Michael Chandler. In December, he recorded the biggest victory of his career in stopping Dustin Poirier to make the first defense of his title.
Gaethje (22-3) is looking to secure an undisputed UFC title on his second attempt. “The Highlight” enters the bout on the heels of his victory against Michael Chandler that was widely considered the Fight of the Year in 2021. The bout was the latest in Gaethje’s impressive resume that has seen him in multiple Fight of the Year candidates and seen him record victories against the likes of Ferguson, Donald Cerrone, and James Vick.
The event is also scheduled to feature the light heavyweight title fight between Glover Teixeira and Jiri Prochazka. Originally scheduled to take place in Brazil, the card is now reportedly set to take place somewhere in the United States in a location still to be determined.
