The main event of UFC FIght Night 74 in Sakatoon ended abruptly when Charles Oliveira suddenly waved off Max Holloway. The referee did not immediately intercede, so Hollaway had to continue attacking, but he appeared to do so with some hesitancy.
Oliveira exited the event on a stretcher, which is extremely worrisome. UFC managing director for operations in Canada, Australia and New Zealand Tom Wright offered some reassurances at the post fight press conference
Charles was immediately transported to the hospital, said Wright. He was alert. He is able to move all his extremities. We’re waiting for any updates we get, and as soon as we get them, we’ll be able to tell you.
The fighter later said he had a pre existing neck injury.
“I injured my neck in training, but did physical therapy and thought everything was fine, but when I fell against the cage everything went numb, I couldn’t feel my body,” said Oliveira in a statement. “I’m still doing a lot of exams here at the hospital.”
Now both UFC PR official and Dr. Jeff Davidson, a UFC medical consultant who worked the event, told Mike Bohn for MMAjunkie that Oliveira suffered a micro-tear of his esophagus in the fight.
Untreated, an esophageal tear can be fatal. Oliveira of course had three physicians on hand Octagon side, and an ambulance. He is expected to remain in Canada for a few days of rests and tests.
On Tuesday the UFC announced that the fighter suffered no major injury, and was on his way home.
UFC featherweight Charles Oliveira has been released from medical care in Saskatoon today and will be traveling home tomorrow. Preliminary test results for major chest, neck or throat injuries were negative and Oliveira will have a follow up appointment with his local physician upon returning home. Oliveira is in good spirits and appreciates the support he’s received from his fans during this time.
Immediately after the fight, Holloway asked for a fight with Frankie Edgar or Conor McGregor, but a rematch must be a possibility, assuming, Oliveira heals quickly.
