5 reasons why Charles Oliveira has an edge over Justin Gaethje in their UFC title clash

Charles Oliveira is officially set to take on Justin Gaethje in Arizona at UFC 274. The champ, Oliveira, is riding an outstanding 10 fight when streak. Gaethje lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov in his first UFC title shot, but earned his second shot at the belt after defeating Michael Chandler in what was 2021's fight of the year.

GAETHJE PUTS DOWN CHANDLER WITH AN UPPER CUT 😨 #UFC268 https://t.co/xaXYbQeF6I

Oliveira has had a long road to the title. Several setbacks had fans doubting that he'd ever make it to title contention, let alone be the champion. Oliveira sharpened up the striking and coupled it with his fantastic grappling. Most importantly, Oliveira has found the grit that many fighters criticized him for not showing in the past.

Gaethje undeniably deserves this title shot, and he very well could win the belt. However, just as Justin Gaethje has the tools to be champ, Oliveira has some answers. Here are 5 reasons why Charles Oliveira has an edge over Justin Gaethje in their UFC title clash

#5. Gaethje's Lowkicks Might Be Nullified

Gaethje's lowkicks against Nurmagomedov proved to be his highest high and his lowest low. The kicks accumulated and had Nurmagomedov hobbling a little bit. However, when Gaethje thought that he was a few kicks away from immobilizing the then-champion, Nurmagomedov landed a takedown off Gaethje's kick. This takedown was the beginning of the end for Gaethje's first attempt at UFC gold.

🏆 𝑶𝑭𝑭𝑰𝑪𝑰𝑨𝑳 🏆

@CharlesDoBronxs vs @Justin_Gaethje

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Gaethje has had so much success with his lowkicks - he's got arguably the best leg kick in the UFC right now. It takes a lot of confidence in your weapons to go kick-for-kick with Edson Barboza, and Gaethje did just that. This tool will be very risky against a grappling phenom such as Charles Oliviera.

While Gaethje's legkicks will cause issues for Oliveira's long build, it'll be a coin-toss between damaging or being caught. Dustin Poirier has lost both of his shots at the lightweight title in the same fashion. Once to Nurmagomedov and lastly to Oliveira, both by way of rear naked choke. It would be superstitiously eerie for Gaethje's demise to once again come by way of his leg kicks being countered.

Gaethje will need to be effective and unpredictable when he throws this attack. Oliveira has proven many times that he just needs a limb to grab and he's a huge problem from there. For example, the way he took Poirier's back was incredibly quick and subsequent of simply grabbing a limb. This counter-threat is an edge for the champion.