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Oliveira Stops Fili in Featherweight Debut After Controversial Elbows

The victory could push Oliveira toward ranked featherweight fights as the finish prompted scrutiny over apparent elbows to the back of Fili's head.

Overview

  • Vinicius Oliveira defeated Andre Fili by second-round TKO at UFC Vegas 119, with the referee stopping the fight at 4:56 of round two following a barrage of elbows and punches.
  • Oliveira moved up from bantamweight for the bout and rallied after appearing to injure his foot and taking heavy body kicks from Fili in the opening round.
  • Multiple outlets and the official result list the stoppage as TKO via elbows and punches, and highlights show standing elbows in the final sequence that appeared to land on the back of Fili’s head.
  • Referee Herb Dean waved the bout off and ringside physicians tended a cut on the back of Fili’s head, and there are no reports that the result has been overturned or that formal discipline is pending.
  • After the win Oliveira publicly called for a ranked opponent, naming No. 15 Josh Emmett, and his move up in weight after severe prior cuts raises immediate matchmaking stakes for the featherweight division.