Charles Oliveira released from hospital, UFC announces

Charles Oliveira

UFC featherweight Charles Oliveira was released from a hospital today and came back negative for serious injuries following his headliner at Sunday’s UFC Fight Night 74.

Although his manager, Wade Hampel, told MMAjunkie that Oliveira suffered a “micro-tear” in his esophagus, necessitating a five-day wait period before considering surgery, the promotion announced “preliminary test results for major chest, neck or throat injuries were negative.”

“Oliveira will have a follow up appointment with his local physician upon returning home,” said the statement, released on the UFC’s official website on Tuesday afternoon. “Oliveira is in good spirits and appreciates the support he’s received from his fans during this time.”

The lanky Brazilian was in the midst of a headliner opposite Max Holloway when he lunged for a takedown and wound up on his back. When Holloway (14-3 MMA, 10-3 UFC) stood up and walked away, Oliveira (20-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) got to his feet, but suddenly clutched his collarbone and turned away. Referee Herb Dean stepped in, calling a halt to the bout at the 1:39 mark of the first round and awarding Holloway a win via TKO.

UFC Fight Night 74 took place at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, and aired live on FOX Sports 1 and UFC Fight Pass.

Initially, speculation pointed to a shoulder injury for Oliveira, whose loss snapped a four-fight win streak. MMAjunkie subsequently reported that he suffered an esophagus tear, citing a UFC PR official and the promotion’s longtime medical consultant, Dr. Jeff Davidson.

Hampel said today that Oliveira was simply monitoring his injury and was unaware of his client’s release from the hospital. He said he would have more information when he spoke to the fighter’s coach.

But according to the UFC, the fighter is on his way toward recovery after a disappointing ending to his most recent octagon appearance.

For complete coverage of UFC Fight Night 74, check out the UFC Events section of the site.