Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler at UFC 309 ceremonial weigh-in Credit: Jake Noecker/Cageside Press
Former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira and former Bellator star Michael Chandler dominated the co-main event of UFC 309 on Saturday at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Oliveira had won the pair’s first meeting for the then-vacant UFC lightweight title following the retirement of Khabib Nurmagomedov. On Saturday, there was a chance for the title, not the belt itself, but the bout remained five rounds.
Chandler was also returning from a massive layoff, having probably waited longer than necessary for a fight with Conor McGregor that never materialized.
Almost immediately after the opening round, Oliveira pushed Chandler towards the cage and scored a trip. Chandler was sent head-first to the canvas and was immediately put at a disadvantage against the leader in submission wins in UFC history. Oliveira was able to control Chandler on the ground for much of the first round and took an early lead in the 25-minute bout.
Oliveira began to open up in the second round and landed a damaging left hook that briefly rocked Chandler. Chandler desperately tried to land a big hook as his opponent closed in, but Oliveira avoided the dangerous blow and out-ran the former Bellator champion.
Both the third and fourth rounds were controlled by Oliveira on the ground, with Oliveira maintaining back control for several minutes in the third round. Chandler appeared to be tired of Oliveira’s consistent attacks, and in the fourth round he was again defending a rear-naked choke. Entering the fifth and final round, Chandler had lost all four previous rounds and needed a finish to win the fight.
Oliveira stepped forward and landed a solid low leg kick to start the fifth. Chandler tried to respond with a straight left hand, a shot that damaged his vision and surprised Oliveira. Chandler lunged forward, throwing a reckless right hand to finish off Oliveira. Chandler landed hard punches against the cage and was doing everything he could to take down the former UFC lightweight champion. Oliveira regained his composure and was able to scramble to his feet. After getting back to his feet, Oliveira was able to score a takedown and regain control of Chandler again. With Oliveira attached to his back, Chandler twice stood up and then jumped backwards to the ground, attempting to knock his opponent off.
After being dominated early on, Chandler showed heart and determination in the fifth round, his most successful round of the fight. After five rounds, the judges scored the bout 49-46, 49-46, and 49-45 in favor of Oliveira. While Chandler’s long layoff may have contributed to his fight, it was Oliveira who made the case that he could be the next contender for the lightweight title.
Official result: Charles Oliveira def. Michael Chandler unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-45)
