Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje

If there’s ever a fight that’s guaranteed to be action-packed, it’s Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje. Charles Oliveira has competed in 41 professional fights and 88% of those fights have ended by stoppage. Justin Gaethje has competed in 26 professional fights and 89% of those fights have ended by stoppage. As it stands, 90% of the Verdict Community is predicting their fight at UFC 274 to end by stoppage. Charles Oliveira is finally getting his respect from the Verdict Community, as he’s the favorite for the first time since fighting Jared Gordon in November of 2019. This will be Gaethje’s second attempt at fighting for the UFC Lightweight title. He was submitted by Khabib Nurmagomedov in his first attempt in October of 2020. Much of the Verdict Community is predicting Gaethje to lose by submission again, as 49% predict Oliveira will submit him.

Rose Namajunas vs. Carla Esparza 2

Rose Namajunas will get the opportunity to avenge her loss to Carla Esparza at UFC 274. The two first competed in December of 2014, in the finals of the Ultimate Fighter. Not only did the winner of that Season become the Ultimate Fighter, the winner also became the inaugural UFC Strawweight Champion. Going into the fight, Namajunas was still new to the sport with a professional record of 2-1. Esparza went on to finish Namajunas with a rear-naked choke to become the first UFC Strawweight Champion in history. A lot has happened since that fight. Esparza lost the title in her next fight while Namajunas reinvented herself as a fighter. Nearly 8 years later, Namajunas is the reigning Strawweight Champion while Esparza has earned her way back into a title shot. Though the first fight ended in dominant fashion, the Verdict Community is very confident in Namajunas with 80% predicting her to defeat Esparza in the rematch.

Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson

For a lot of people, this is the most anticipated fight on the card. Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson is a dream fight that many have been waiting to see for a long time. As exciting as the matchup is, it’s a dangerous fight for Tony Ferguson who’s in danger of losing his 4th consecutive fight. If Ferguson loses, there’s going to be a lot of questions regarding what he’s supposed to do next. Chandler is coming into this fight with back to back losses against Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje. He absorbed a lot of punishment in both of those fights. The majority of the Verdict Community are backing Michael Chandler, with 73% predicting him to win.

Shogun Rua vs. Ovince Saint Preux

This is a rematch of a fight that took place in November of 2014. The first fight didn’t last long, as OSP finished Shogun by knockout in just 34 seconds. Both Shogun and OSP are coming into this fight off TKO losses. Many are expecting the rematch to end like the first fight, as 34% of the Verdict Community is predicted OSP to finish Shogun by knockout.

Donald Cerrone vs. Joe Lauzon

The UFC 274 main card kicks off with a battle between two legends. After finishing Jonathan Pearce by TKO in October of 2019, Joe Lauzon decided to retire from the sport. However, his competitive spirit is making him come out of retirement. He’ll make his return against future UFC Hall of Famer Donald Cerrone. This looks like a must-win situation for Cerrone who’s failed to win in his last 6 fights. This is great matchmaking given where both of these fighters currently are in their careers.