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

Justin gaethje was defeated by Charles of the Bronx. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @charlesdobronxs

Former interim lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg) and with the opportunity to return to the position this Saturday (24) when facing Paddy Pimblett, Justin gaethje He has experienced similar situations in the past when facing other big names of his generation and ending 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 of the 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 274In May 2022, with the lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg) at stake only for the American, after the Brazilian failed to make weight for the category, Charles finished 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 of the Bronx submits Gaethje in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

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In addition to the setback against the Bronx native, Gaethje was also brutally knocked out in the final second when facing off against... Max Holloway in the legendary UFC 300The setback ended his reign as BMF champion. Since then, he has recovered and won. Raphael Fiziev on two occasions, in addition to knocking out Dustin poirier with a kick to the head.