Michael Chandler vs. Charles Oliveira

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 true before the epic fifth round. Throughout the first four rounds, Oliveira’s surgical strike, timely takedowns and overall fighting ability got the better of Chandler.

The former champion was on his way to an easy win heading into the fifth round. Instead of ducking and dodging Chandler, Oliveira stayed 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 attempt managed to get the fight to the ground.

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

Two words for you.

If this were WWE, this would be a match where the loser had a moment that would lead to his lead going further. Chandler is smart.

He started putting on a show when he realized he wasn’t going to win the fight. That backpack powerbomb was pure cinema and set up Chandler’s epic callouts after the Max Holloway vs. Conor McGregor fight.

Both statements make sense. Chandler has long been ready to fight McGregor, but he has not returned to the Octagon.

Holloway’s decision is also wise because the former featherweight champion is coming off his first injury loss and has permanently moved up to lightweight. A fight 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 prepared himself to meet the winner.

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

View all results of the event here.

UFC 309 Results Table Main Card

• (c) Jon Jones def. No. 8 Stipe Miocic via TKO in the third round
• 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)

Preliminaries

• Marcus McGhee def. No. 13 Jonathan Martinez via unanimous decision (29-28×3)
• Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders – CANCELED
• Jim Miller definitively. 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 TKO in the second round

Early preliminaries

• 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)