Michael Oliveira carries the kind of through-the-roof upside promoters covet.
The undefeated Brazilian prospect on Tuesday was one of five competitors signed to Ultimate Fighting Championship contracts during Week 10 of Dana White’s Contender Series, as he turned away Victor Valenzuela with punches in the second round of their welterweight showcase. Valenzuela (12-4, 0-1 DWCS) succumbed to blows 3:56 into Round 2.
A closely contested first round gave rise to the decisive middle stanza. Oliveira (9-0, 1-0 DWCS) tuned up the Fury Fighting Championship titleholder with overhand rights, sharp leg kicks and right hooks to the body, all while calling upon a damaging jab.