UFC fans have claimed the scales weren't settled when Islam Makhachev successfully made weight for his title clash with Charles Oliveira.
Oliveira and Makhachev will meet for the vacant 155lb title tomorrow night at UFC 280. The Brazilian previously held the belt but was stripped of the crown earlier this year after missing the lightweight limit for his defence against Justin Gaethje which he went on to win.
Therefore there was a high level of scrutiny from fans and the media on this fight week weigh-in, with fears Oliveira could struggle to make weight again. However it was a potential error with Makhachev's scales that UFC fans were quick to point out with footage appearing to show the scale not being settled on zero before he tipped them and came in at 154.5lb.
UFC analyst Dan Hardy wrote: "Scales never settled. Again." He later added: "It’s time to start using digital scales. Old analog scales, traveled around the world. Plus, the potential for human interference or corruption." Another fan joked: "A big thanks to Hasbulla for helping balance the scales for that extra half pound."
One fan even claimed it was the same for Oliveira, writing: "For what it’s worth, same exact situation with Do Bronx and the guy didn’t really let the scale settle for him either." Another pointed out: 'The reading was given faster than usual, as the official normally waits for the scales to stop shaking as much."
A final fan had an alternative theory, suggesting: "You’re right, the scale didn’t settle but I think I see why. I admit there is an assumption on my part but watch again, the scale is already at 155(my assumption) and when Islam stands on it, he’s clearly under, so does it ultimately matter? He wasn’t over."
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Despite the problem highlighted by fans on social media, both men successfully made weight for the fight and it will go ahead as planned in Abu Dhabi. A win for either fighter will likely see either Oliveira or Makhachev make their first defence against 145lb champion Alexander Volkanovski who wants to become a double champion.
The New Zealander has been in attendance at the fight-week events so far after being selected as the designated late-replacement opponent if either fighter is unable to compete. And 'The Great' has claimed that he faced a check last night to ensure he was on weight himself in case he is required to step in at short notice.
"Well, without giving too much away... We were asked pretty late last night, 'How's Alex doing?'," Volkanovski revealed during an interview on BT Sport at the weigh-in. "So obviously someone was struggling a bit. But I was asleep when that happened, I heard about it this morning."
