UFC free fight: Charles Oliveira scores lopsided decision over Tony Ferguson

Charles Oliveira left little doubt he’s ready for title contention.

Oliveira faced former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson in the UFC 256 co-main event this past December, and made it look easy against the perennial contender.

All three judges scored it 30-26 in favor of Oliveira, who was able to take Ferguson down at will and control him. After some good exchanges on the feet in Round 1, Oliveira took Ferguson down to the mat, transitioning to full mount with ease. As the clock winded down, Oliveira cinched a deep armbar, but Ferguson refused to tap.

Oliveira was in cruise control, taking Ferguson down and controlling him for the remainder of the fight. He threatened with multiple submissions in Round 3, but Ferguson was able to fend them off and survive the one-sided beating. Oliveira notched his eighth straight win, which finally earned him a crack at UFC gold.

Oliveira (30-8 MMA, 18-8 UFC) returns to action at UFC 262 on May 15 when he takes on Michael Chandler (22-5 MMA, 1-0 UFC) for the vacant lightweight title at Toyota Center in Houston.

Before he faces Chandler, relive Oliveira’s win over Ferguson in the video above.