Michael Chandler is set to take on Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 262 for the vacant UFC lightweight championship in what promises to be a barn-burner between two of the best fighters in the division.
Chandler will step inside the UFC Octagon for the second time to take on UFC veteran Oliveira. Ahead of the epic encounter, Chandler talks about his next opponent and claims that his UFC debut was a tougher test than his upcoming title fight against the Brazilian sensation.
“Most likely, I knock him out in the first or second round.” Chandler continues, “Dan Hooker was a tougher test.”
Despite the many ups and downs, Oliveira continues to be a serious threat in the lightweight division and has earned his title opportunity with eight straight wins inside the UFC Octagon. He was last seen against Tony Ferguson in a lopsided unanimous decision win over the seasoned veteran.
“You look at numerous fights, if he can’t impose his will on you, there comes a point he looks at you and decides, ‘OK, you’ve won this one. I’ll collect half of a paycheck and go home.” Chandler said in a conversation with ESPN.
Chandler feels confident going into the title match-up and believes that he gets the job done at UFC 262. Many fans argue that Chandler doesn’t deserve the title opportunity considering it is just his second outing inside the UFC Octagon.
Can Michael Chandler beat Charles Oliveira?
Michael Chandler comes with a lot of MMA experience despite having fought inside the UFC Octagon only once. He is a former two-time Bellator lightweight champion with multiple notable wins to his name. Chandler’s power in his right hand was on display in his first UFC appearance where he knocked out Dan Hooker in the first round to announce his arrival inside the UFC Octagon.
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Needless to say, should Chandler manage to keep the fight on the ground, there’s a very likely possibility that the American fighter will get his hand raised next month at UFC 262. Additionally, his wrestling pedigree should help him defend those takedowns, and keep the fight on foot as he takes on a seasoned grappler in the form of Charles Oliveira.