“Showtime” Submits Charles Oliveira, Makes Featherweight Impact

Oliveira had the advantage on the ground, being a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, but Pettis showed that he could hang with one of the best grapplers in the 145-pound division. He was even scheduled for a super fight against then-featherweight champion Jose Aldo. His quest to reclaim that belt did not go as planned. With the intent to stay at 145-pounds, “Showtime” can be matched up with another top-ten fighter such as Jeremy Stephens or Dennis Bermudez. The Brazilian is 5-1 since 2014.

Oliveira had been on a fairly dominant run, save for a loss to Max Holloway via freak esophagus injury early in the first round.

Former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis was hoping to end a three-fight losing streak and find new life in his career by dropping down to the featherweight division. Pettis delivered in a thrilling back-and-forth battle on Saturday at UFC on FOX 21.

No matter what fight Pettis gets next, however, the future is bright for him at 145 pounds. Oliveira hoping for a rear-naked choke, but Pettis is able to spin around and ends up on top.

Pettis tries to back away, but Oliveira pops back up into the clinch and works him back to the cage. He takes Pettis’ back, but it’s not long before Pettis is back on top landing more punishing blows. Pettis tried to stack and maybe get up, but Oliveira stuck to him and took his back, but just for a second. “I’m trying to get down to a title shot”. Oliveira with a push kick. Pettis landed a straight left and circled away. Pettis reversed and connected on a series of punches to the body and the head. Olivera stood up, but Pettis put him back down with a kick to the body. Oliveira transitioned to get a takedown of his own.

While Pettis had some trouble throughout the fight, he looked powerful and effective with his striking. Pettis seemed to be slowing.

Risky times for Pettis as Oliveira is extremely skillsed with submissions. Oliveira stood up quickly to continue crowding Pettis.

“We all know how it feels, you’re exhausted, you get out there and you just got to feel it out”.

Nice one-two from Pettis and an elbow in return from Oliveira.

Oliveira quickly moves to side control. This time, however, Pettis sunk a guillotine choke and dropped to his back, forcing Oliveira to submit. Very slick transitions by both.

The third and final round began with Oliveira scoring another takedown. Oliveira then countered and they returned to their feet, Oliveira immediately going for another takedown.

Pettis’ entry into the 145-pound weight class gives the division yet another contender to vie for an eventual title shot with Conor McGregor still standing tall as champion while Aldo is now holding the interim belt in the Irishman’s absence.