If only he could make weight.
When he's firing on all cylinders, there aren't many featherweights more dangerous than Charles Oliveira. The Brazilian controlled Myles Jury throughout their short bout Saturday before winning by guillotine choke at 3:10 of the first round in the preliminary main event of UFC on Fox 17.
Do Bronx was able to close the distance early against Jury, who largely prefers to strike from long range. Oliveira scored a takedown and dominated Jury with his jiu-jitsu, taking Jury's back with a slick maneuver and then latching on the guillotine. From standing position, Oliveira essentially hung from Jury's neck with the choke; the massive pressure was evident and forced Jury to tap. Oliveira's grappling skills impressed MMA fighter Lauren Murphy:
Olivera is sick. Love watching him grapple when he fights
— Lauren Murphy (@LaurenMurphyMMA) December 20, 2015
At the age of 26, Oliveira is now 21-5 (1) as a pro and has won five of his last six contests. His last loss came in August to elite contender Max Holloway and only came because Oliveira suffered a freakish esophagus tear after a first-round takedown.
In a way, his last two contests nicely summarize Oliveira's career. When he's on, he's a difficult out for anyone. But self-inflicted harm is common.
Extended injury layoffs pepper Oliveira's career, including 10 months off between 2012 and 2013. The greater issue, though, is making his division's 145-pound weight limit. UFC on Fox 17 was no exception, as Do Bronx missed weight by a 4.5 pounds. It is the third time he has missed weight in the past three years, and that doesn't include the time his bout with Nik Lentz was canceled entirely after Oliveira fell ill as a result of his weight cut.
Until Oliveira can get out of his own way, it's possible he'll have a ceiling over his head, regardless of performances like this one. It's why his bold call-out after the fight elicited a few chuckles on social media. Oliveira challenged featherweight champ Conor McGregor—a bit of a level jump unless, that is, Oliveira is planning to move up to lightweight along with the champ. MMA fan Shion called Oliveira's post-fight call-out "delusional":
Calling Conor but fail to making weight.. Charles "delusional" oliveira #UFCOrlando
— Shion (@shion66618) December 20, 2015
"I'm coming, Conor," Oliveira told broadcaster Joe Rogan through an interpreter in the cage after the fight. "Don't get too happy, because I'm coming to get you."
With the loss, Jury falls to 15-2 and has now dropped two straight.
