Charles Oliveira In Neck Brace Following UFC Fight Night 74, Taken Away On Stretcher
Two of the most promising featherweights in MMA were supposed to lock horns when Max Holloway faced Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC Fight Night 74 from the SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada last night (Sun., August 23, 2015).
Both fighters had impressive win streaks decorated with exciting finishes, so the winner was guaranteed prime bargaining position when the titles are unified between Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor at UFC 194 this December.
Yet the bout ended in anticlimactic fashion when Oliveira went down after an early takedown in the first round and came up clutching his neck/shoulder area. Referee Herb Dean immediately called off the bout after Holloway rushed in and began to throw punches at an obviously hurt Oliveira.
The Brazilian grappling wiz laid on the canvas for quite some time as they attempted to diagnose what was wrong with him. Apparently, ‘Do Bronx’ unfortunately has a potentially serous injury, as MMAjunkie’s Matt Erickson reported that he had his neck in a brace and was being escorted out the back on a stretcher to be taken to the hospital for examination:
Oliveira’s neck is braced, and he’s on the stretcher. They’re taking him out the back way and he’s still grabbing at his neck.
— Matt Erickson (@MMAjunkieMatt) August 24, 2015
That sounds like it could be something serious, so here’s to hoping that Oliveira escapes any serious neck trouble. Stay tuned to LowKickMMA.com for all updates on this story and all other MMA news and features.