UFC 274: Dana White considers placing security to guard weigh-in scales after Charles Oliveira ‘nightmare’

UFC president weighs in on controversy after Brazilian was stripped of lightweight title ahead of victory over Justin Gaethje

‘We have rules. The belt is vacant, but I’m sure in the minds of the media and fight fans, Oliveira is the champion,’ White says

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Charles Oliveira celebrates after his submission victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 274. Photo: AFP

Published: 11:15pm, 8 May 2022

Dana White has suggested the UFC will consider placing security to guard the weigh-in scales during future fight weeks after the controversy surrounding Charles Oliveira in Phoenix, Arizona.

“Do Bronx” was sensationally stripped of his lightweight title after coming in half a pound heavy at Friday’s official weigh-ins.

But there were reports the backstage scales used by fighters to check their weight during UFC 274 fight week had been wrongly calibrated.

The belt was immediately vacated, with Oliveira ineligible to win it back on Saturday night, despite submitting Justin Gaethje in the first-round of their main event.

“It’s a nightmare,” White said of the controversy, speaking at the post-fight press conference.

“We have this issue where guys come out and will start checking the scale the night before, and all the Europeans and guys from other parts of world do kilos, so they all start [expletive] with the scale.