Michael Chandler vs. Charles Oliveira

On By Littum

Charles Oliveira won a somewhat lopsided unanimous decision over Michael Chandler in their rematch on Saturday night, but this was one of my favorite fights in years.

Both Oliveira and Chandler had their moments in the UFC 309 co-main event, and that’s especially the case for the epic fifth round. Through the first four rounds, Oliveira’s surgical strikes, timely takedowns and overall fighting sense got the better of Chandler.

The former champion was cruising to an easy victory heading into the fifth round. Instead of running around and avoiding Chandler, Oliveira stood in the pocket and paid the price for his bravery. Chandler landed a huge right hand that hurt Oliveira. The Brazilian retreated and in a desperate effort was able to get the fight to the ground.

While on the ground, Oliveira showed off his excellent recreational gifts. He got back to his feet and then began a more controlled takedown. Oliveira took Chandler’s back and created one of the more memorable Octagon moments you’ll see this year.

Two words for you.

If this was WWE, this was a match that saw the loser have a moment that would lead to their height moving forward. Chandler is smart.

He started putting on a show when he realized he wasn’t going to win the match. That backpack powerbomb was pure cinema, and it set up Chandler’s epic post-fight explanations of Max Holloway and Conor McGregor.

Both of these explanations make sense. Chandler has long been set to fight McGregor, but the latter has not returned to the Octagon.

The Holloway call also makes sense because the former featherweight champion is coming off his first stoppage loss and has permanently moved up to lightweight. A match with Chandler could be epic, and it’s fitting for both men at this stage of their careers.

Oliveira awaits the winner of the upcoming title fight between champion Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan. That fight is expected to take place in January and Oliveira believes he has set himself up to face the winner.

Oliveira has faced and lost to both men, but he is likely in a position to challenge for the championship.

Here you can see all the results from the event.

UFC 309 Results Table Main Card

  • (c) Jon Jones def. no. 8 Stipe Miocic Via third round TKO
  • no. 2 Charles Oliveira def. No. 7 Michael Chandler via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-45)
  • Bo Nickal def. Paul Craig via Unanimous Decision (30-27×3)
  • no. 9 Viviane Araujo def. no. 5 Karine Silva Via unanimous decision (29-28×3)
  • Mauricio Ruffy def. James Llontop via unanimous decision (29-28×3)

Prelims

  • Marcus McGhee def. No. 13 Jonathan Martinez via unanimous decision (29-28×3)
  • Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders – CANCELED
  • Jim Miller def. Damon Jackson via first round submission (Guillotine)
  • David Onama def. Roberto Romero Via Unanimous Decision (30-27×3)
  • no. 9 Marcin Tybura def. Jhonata Diniz Via second round TKO

Early prelims

  • Ramiz Brahimaj def. Mickey Gall Via KO in the first round
  • Oban Elliott def. Bassil Hafez Via KO in the third round
  • Eduardo Moura def. Veronica Hardy via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28×2)