Former opponent of Charles Oliveira confesses to dangerous accident before facing Brazilian in the UFC: 'Fatal mistake'

Justin Gaethje was defeated by Charles Oliveira . Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @charlesdobronxs

Former interim lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg) and with the opportunity to return to the title this Saturday (24) when facing Paddy Pimblett , Justin Gaethje experienced similar situations in the past when facing other big names of his generation and ended up being defeated. However, the American revealed in an interview with ESPN this Monday (19) that he was not in his best condition when he faced Charles do Bronx.

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According to Gaethje, a traffic accident less than a month before the fight affected his performance against the former champion. The two faced off in the main event of UFC 274 in May 2022, with the lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg) at stake for the American, after the Brazilian failed to make weight. Charles submitted his opponent with a rear-naked choke in the first round.

“These are the only two guys who faced me when I wasn’t at my best, and for two different reasons. I had a bicycle accident 18 days before the fight with Oliveira, hitting my head on the asphalt. I was already weakened before the fight, and with Max it was a matter of mentality. Two fatal mistakes,” he stated.

😲 Justin Gaethje revealed he was in a bike crash 18 days before the Oliveira fight

“Those are the only two guys that have ever gotten me not at my best, and for two different reasons. I was in a bike crash 18 days before the Oliveira fight, banging my head off the road. I was… pic.twitter.com/5T7DhTqVhN

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) January 19, 2026

Gaethje bounced back after losses in the UFC.

Charles Oliveira submits Gaethje at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

In addition to the setback against Oliveira, Gaethje was also brutally knocked out in the final second when facing Max Holloway at the legendary UFC 300. This defeat ended his reign as BMF champion. Since then, he has recovered, defeating Rafael Fiziev twice and knocking out Dustin Poirier with a head kick.

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