Some last-minute changes have been made to the UFC 274 fight card that’s already underway tonight in Phoenix, Arizona.
The main event bout between Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje was initially scheduled as a UFC Lightweight Championship bout but Oliveira was stripped of his title on Friday morning after failing to weigh in at the 155-pound limit for the title fight. The belt is now vacant, therefore allowing Gaethje an opportunity to win the title tonight but Oliveira won’t be eligible.
The co-main event has been less dramatic than the lightweight title fight with Rose Namajunas vs. Carla Esparza booked for the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship. Both Namajunas, the champion, and Esparza, the challenger, weighed in successfully for this five-round bout.
One of the most highly-anticipated fights on the UFC 274 fight card takes place just moments before Namajunas vs. Esparza when Michael Chandler steps into the cage with Tony Ferguson. It’s a matchup between two very exciting lightweight fighters and allows both fighters an opportunity to return to winning form.
Earlier in the night, the UFC revealed that Donald Cerrone has withdrawn from the UFC 274 fight card. Cerrone was scheduled to fight Joe Lauzon but it appears that he has suffered from food poisoning and is therefore unable to compete.
“They think what mind have happened is Donald ate something bad,” Rogan said (via MMA Fighting). “Because he was throwing up, he couldn’t keep food down. He felt terrible. They tried to give him time to recover but I talked to Dr. [Jeff] Davidson and it was just not going to happen.”
The UFC 274 fight card is exclusive to
UFC 274 Fight Card
Main Card – 10:00 pm ET / 7:00 pm PT (Order ESPN+ PPV)
- Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje
- Rose Namajunas vs. Carla Esparza
- Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson
- Mauricio Rua vs. Ovince Saint Preux
- Randy Brown vs. Khaos Williams
Prelims – 8:00 pm ET / 5:00 pm PT on ESPN+
- Francisco Trinaldo vs. Danny Roberts
- Macy Chiasson vs. Norma Dumont
- Brandon Royval vs. Matt Schnell
- Blagoy Ivanov vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima
Early Prelims– 5:30 pm ET / 2:30 pm PT on ESPN+
- Andre Fialho vs. Cameron VanCamp
- Tracy Cortez vs. Melissa Gatto
- Kleydson Rodrigues vs. CJ Vergara
- Ariane Carnelossi vs. Lupita Godinez
- Journey Newson vs. Fernie Garcia
