Charles Oliveira (34-10) wants to be fearless when he takes on Michael Chandler (23-8) at UFC 309.
Oliveira and Chandler will clash in a five-round co-main event at UFC 309 on Saturday at Madison Square Garden in New York. “De Bronx,” who has previously shared the Octagon with Chandler, promises not to back down while respecting his opponent.
“I think he’s a tough guy,” Oliveira told Shaquiel Majuli. “He’s a guy who always moves forward, just like me. I don’t want to go home. I want to keep pushing forward too. I want to go win, and I want to go win soon.”
Oliveira and Chandler previously met at UFC 262 in 2021, where the Brazilian scored a stunning come-from-behind technical knockout in the second round. But Chandler had Oliveira in serious trouble in the first round, as evidenced by the two judges scoring it 10-8 in the American’s favor.
UFC 309: Jones vs. Miocic. Saturday at 10 a.m. ET on ESPN+. Order now!
However, Oliveira states that the scorecard is meaningless unless the fight goes well. The former champion is known for his dangerous scraps, often resulting in come-from-behind victories. Oliveira will be bringing his old self to UFC 309, willing to take some risks to get his way.
“First of all, I don’t think it matters if someone gave it a 10-8 because I didn’t take it to the judges. It doesn’t matter if someone gave it a 10-8 because I killed him. No,” Oliveira said. “And I want to be the Charles that moves forward. I want to push my game. I want to be part of my game. I want to be the Charles of the past, the one who’s always moving forward, the one who rolls a little bit and heels or whatever.” A guy who’s not afraid to go for something. A guy who’s not afraid to just step into a position and make things happen. That’s what they want in Charles Oliveira, the champion they all know. It’s a man.”
Oliveira lost the title to Islam Makhachev by submission at UFC 280 in 2022, but bounced back the following year with a knockout victory over Beneil Dariush at UFC 289. “De Bronx” most recently dropped a split decision against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300 in April of this year.
Meanwhile, Chandler is 1-3 in his last four fights and hasn’t fought since December 2022 as he is on the sidelines facing Conor McGregor.
