I’ve been jacked about this fight for weeks and it certainly did not disappoint. Aside from brief moments where Escudero used his stout figure to pin him against the cage, Oliveira controlled this fight the whole way. As if being a 20 year old black belt wasn’t enough, the phenom used his (dare I say) Anderson Silva-esque striking to keep Escudero guessing the entire fight. Oliveira had absolutely no fear of being taken down and embraced that creative freedom by slinging dizzying head kicks and flying knees.
UFC Fight Night 22 Results: Oliveira Forces Escudero To Tap, Wins Via Rear Naked Choke
The only time Oliveira looked like the kid he is came when he pulled guard in the first round. Sort of a dumb move with about 30 secs left in the round, essentially giving Escudero just enough time to possibly steal the round with some big elbows. He needs to know that not everyone in the UFC can be tapped in 20 seconds. Each fighter took some time to gather themselves from an unintentional groin strike, but once Oliveira had recovered from his, the fight was over. Like a bat out of hell, the young kid took over. Opening with a flurry of strikes, parlayed into a powerful takedown slam, Oliveira was able to take Escudero’s back in scramble and sink in the dreaded rear naked choke. Excellent fight all around, but it helps prove some of the hype for Oliveira.
Charles Oliveira def. Efrain Escudero via submission (rear-naked choke) - Round 3, 2:25
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