UFC 309: CHARLES OLIVEIRA VS MICHAEL CHANDLER

The number-two-ranked Oliveira is set for a rematch against the number-seven-ranked Chandler. In their first clash on May 16, 2021, Chandler came out swinging, taking charge in the first round and nearly putting Oliveira away - forcing Oliveira to rely on his razor-sharp grappling just to survive. But in a dramatic turn of events, it was Oliveira who landed a brutal knockout early in the second round, flooring Chandler with a rapid-fire combination.

Since that night, Chandler has faced some of the division’s top fighters - Gaethje, Ferguson, and Poirier - yet has only managed to defeat an out-of-form Ferguson. Oliveira, on the other hand, has stayed busy, racking up victories over both Poirier and Gaethje before finally being dethroned by the current champ, Makhachev.

Oliveira’s record and recent successes make him the favorite, yet Chandler’s powerful hands have already shown they can rattle Oliveira - if only briefly.

This time, will Chandler’s power be enough to turn the tables?

CHARLES OLIVEIRA: 34 - 10 - 0

Oliveira is a finishing machine, one of the most dangerous offensive forces the UFC has ever seen. His Muay Thai has evolved into a lethal weapon that can punish opponents from every angle, and his jiu-jitsu is pure poetry in motion - an art form that few fighters in any weight class can handle. “Do Bronx” is a rare talent, a relentless competitor who’s built to finish fights.

With a wealth of options to end the fight, Oliveira’s greatest risk remains Chandler’s explosive knockout power, especially in those tense opening minutes. But Oliveira isn’t the type to back away from a firefight. After 45 pro bouts, he’s not about to play it safe or start backing down. To win, he’ll have to go head-to-head with Chandler’s power and outdo him in pure aggression.

The smartest path for Oliveira would be to drag Chandler to the mat early, where he can unleash his deadly submission game. And if anyone can do it, it’s Oliveira - one of the best submission artists in UFC history. The question is, can he close the distance and outwit Chandler before the bombs start flying?

MICHAEL CHANDLER: 23 - 8 - 0

Michael Chandler returns to the octagon, his patience with the elusive Conor McGregor finally run out after two years on the sidelines. It’s the kind of comeback that brings as much risk as it does excitement. Although Chandler came dangerously close to finishing Charles Oliveira in their first clash back in 2021, Oliveira proved he could withstand Chandler's early power and turn the fight in his favor. Now, three years later, the question looms - why would Chandler’s chances be any better, especially since Oliveira has since beaten fighters who handed Chandler his toughest losses?

There’s no doubt Chandler is one of the UFC's most electrifying fighters, a true showstopper who brings relentless aggression every time he steps into the cage. But waiting for the McGregor payday left him inactive, a choice everyone except Chandler seemed to see as a misstep. Now, he’s got to shake off two years of ring rust against one of the deadliest finishers in the sport's history.

He’s in for a war against Oliveira, and this time, his very career could be on the line.

PREDICTION

We’re backing Oliveira to get the job done fast. He’s not only proven he can handle Chandler’s power, but he’s also defeated the very fighters who handed Chandler his recent losses. Plus, with Oliveira’s relentless activity in the octagon compared to Chandler’s two-year layoff, “Do Bronx” has all the momentum on his side.

Expect fireworks from the start, but don’t be surprised if Oliveira wraps things up in the first round - his pace, precision, and killer instinct could be just too much for Chandler to withstand.