UFC 274: Charles Oliveira fails to make weight & is stripped of lightweight title

Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira has been stripped of his title after failing to make the 155lbs weight limit for his fight this weekend.

The Brazilian was due to defend his crown against title challenger Justin Gaethje at UFC 274, but weighed in half a pound too heavy when he hit the scales.

Ironically, only minutes before the weigh-ins took place, the champion tweeted out that he had already made the weight.

Oliveira’s second attempt to make the weight was also unsuccessful, which means his lightweight strap will be vacant during the UFC 274 main event.

If Gaethje wins the bout, he will become the new UFC lightweight champion. Oliveira, however, will not be able to reclaim his championship.

Read more: UFC 274: Fight Card, Date and Location, UK Start Time, Tickets and Everything You Need to Know

Oliveira had been enjoying a 10-fight win-streak after an epic return to the lightweight division, defeating Michael Chandler to capture the belt at UFC 262.

Charles then went on to defend his crown in an impressive submission victory over Dustin Poirier, which would see him climb to number five in the men’s P4P rankings.

Charles Oliveira has missed weight by .5 pounds ahead of #UFC274 and the UFC lightweight title has been vacated.This is the first time a UFC champion has lost their belt after stepping on the scale and missing the weight limit. pic.twitter.com/eyQW54y5Wz

A difficult weight cut for Oliveira time time around, however, has raised some eyebrows in the MMA community.

His former opponent and number one lightweight in the world Poirier, took to Twitter to express his concern, writing: “Might affect his durability.”

UFC commentator and former fighter Paul Felder tweeted: “Wonder if he still wants