Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira expects to come up against the same Michael Chandler that he did back in 2021 this weekend.
Oliveira is gearing up for his second assignment of the year, as he looks to immediately bounce back from his narrow split decision setback opposite Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300 this past April.
To do so, “Do Bronx” is tasked with repeating a feat he achieved back in May 2021 — beat Chandler.
The former Bellator champion hasn’t competed in the two years since his loss to Dustin Poirier at Madison Square Garden. And following a failed wait to fight Conor McGregor, “Iron” gets his chance for redemption against Oliveira back at MSG.
Ahead of the pair’s second clash at UFC 309, Chandler has waxed lyrical about his evolution as a fighter since being the victim of a come-from-behind knockout against the Brazilian.
Oliveira, though, isn’t convinced.
During a recent fight week interview with ESPN MMA, Oliveira reacted to Chandler’s claims regarding his improvements as a competitor since their first showdown three and a half years ago.
“Do Bronx” was firm in stating that Chandler doesn’t have it in him to change his aggressive, forward-pressing style. With that in mind, he’s anticipating a similar opening frame burst from the 38-year-old.
“All you have to do is watch his fights, that’s who he is. He’s always aggressive, he’s always going to go forward. He can’t help but be himself,” Oliveira said. “It’s like saying, ‘Charles is going to back down, or walk backwards.’ I am never, I am going to always push forward. That’s who (Chandler) is always going to be. Always very explosive, always very aggressive, a guy who’s got a very strong first round.”
At UFC 262, Chandler’s fast start almost paid off. He had Oliveira badly hurt and appeared just seconds away from closing the show on more than one occasion.
But after “Do Bronx” survived to hear the first horn, a perfectly timed left hook early in the second round caught Chandler and set up the shock finish — something the former champ will now hope to repeat in New York City this Saturday night.
