Charles Oliveira Confident He’ll “Outclass” Michael Chandler Again at UFC 309
Charles Oliveira is ready to make a statement when he faces Michael Chandler in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 309. Set as a five-round co-main event in the lightweight division, this fight is pivotal for both contenders. A win could push Oliveira or Chandler closer to a title shot—or even set up a blockbuster bout against Conor McGregor.
The fight revisits their electrifying May 2021 matchup, where Oliveira claimed victory with a second-round knockout, securing the vacant lightweight title. Heading into the rematch, Oliveira is brimming with confidence.
“I think I have a lot more weapons than Michael Chandler to get the win,” Oliveira said on *UFC Countdown*. “I can outclass him just like I did in our first fight. My arm will definitely be raised at UFC 309. My hands can land, connect hard, and I can leave victorious.”
If Oliveira wins, especially with another finish, it would be a bold statement for the Brazilian. A decisive victory could propel him into a No. 1 contender fight or a high-stakes match against McGregor.
No Room for Complacency
Despite his previous win, Oliveira isn’t taking Chandler lightly. He’s preparing harder than ever, aware that Chandler will come in with a point to prove.
“Michael Chandler is a huge problem,” Oliveira admitted. “He’s very explosive, always moving forward, hunting you down. We’ll analyze my fight with him so I don’t make the same mistakes again. I won the first fight, but I want to show it wasn’t luck. I’m better than him; my game is better. I’m a lot more dangerous on the feet and on the ground, but I know Chandler will be hungrier to prove he can beat me.”
Oliveira heads into this fight looking to bounce back after a close split-decision loss to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300. A win over Chandler would be the perfect way for Oliveira to reassert himself in the lightweight title picture, and he’s determined to make it happen.