UFC 274: Justin Gaethje on champion Charles Oliveira: 'once a coward always a coward'

Justin Gaethje has questioned lightweight champion Charles Oliveira’s mettle ahead of their clash at UFC 274 this weekend, saying “once a coward always a coward”.

The Brazilian, who rides a 10-fight win streak, makes the second defence of his title at the top of the bill at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, early on Sunday UAE time.

The contest marks the second time Gaethje has attempted to land the lightweight crown after the former interim belt-holder’s defeat to then-champion Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi in October 2020. Nurmagomedov, who announced his shock retirement immediately following the encounter, triumphed via second-round submission.

Having since rebounded with victory in the 2021 fight of the year against Michael Chandler in November, Gaethje was asked during Wednesday’s media day to compare his past championship bid with the one upcoming, with the American claiming Nurmagomedov represented a completely different test to Oliveira.

The wait is over- IT'S #UFC274 FIGHT WEEK!