The co-main event of UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday found ex-lightweight champ Charles Oliveira and former Bellator star Michael Chandler running it back.
Oliveira had won the pair’s first meeting, for the then-vacant UFC lightweight championship following Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement. On Saturday, it was the possibility of a title shot on the line, rather than the belt itself, but the fight remained a five-round affair.
Chandler was also coming in off an extensive layoff, having waited likely longer than he should have for a fight with Conor McGregor that never materialized.
Almost immediately in the opening round, Oliveira pressed Chandler towards the cage and landed a trip. Chandler was sent head first to the canvas and was quickly in a bad position against the UFC’s all time leader in submission wins. Oliveira was able to control Chandler on the ground for the majority of the first round jumping out to an early lead in this 25-minute contest.
In round two Oliveira started to open up on the feet, landing a damaging left hook that momentarily rocked Chandler. Chandler was desperately trying to land big hooks as his opponent was coming in, but Oliveira avoided the dangerous blows and out landed the former Bellator Champion.
The third and fourth round’s were both controlled by Oliveira on the ground, who had back control for multiple minutes in the third. Chandler looked like he was tiring from the consistent attack from Oliveira, and again found himself defending a rear naked choke in the fourth round. Entering the fifth and final round Chandler needed a finish to win the fight, losing all four of the previous rounds.
Oliveira pressed forward landing a solid low leg kick to start the fifth. Chandler tried to answer with a straight left hand and startled Oliveira with a shot that damaged his vision. Chandler pounced forward with reckless abandon throwing wild right hands to try and finish Oliveira. Landing big punches against the cage, Chandler was trying everything he could to put the former UFC lightweight champion out. Oliveira was able to regain his composure and scramble to his feet. After returning to his feet, Oliveira landed a takedown and again was able to get back control on Chandler. With Oliveira attached to his back Chandler twice sprung to his feet and tried to slam his opponent off of him jumping backwards onto the ground.
After getting dominated early Chandler showed his heart and determination in the fifth round having his most successful round of the fight. With five rounds concluded, the judges scored the contest 49-46, 49-46, 49-45 in favor of Oliveira. The long layoff for Chandler may have played a factor in his fight, but it was Oliveira who made a claim to be the potential next contender for the Lightweight title.
Official Result: Charles Oliveira def. Michael Chandler by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-45)
