Michael Chandler poses on the scale during the UFC 257 weigh-in at Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 22, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Michael Chandler stares at greatness as he takes on Charles Oliveira at UFC 262
What a year it has been for Michael Chandler.
The Bellator star made his move to the UFC only in September, last year. Just 8 months later, he is one step away from lightweight greatness.
‘Iron Mike’ is all set to take on Brazilian, Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 262, for the vacant lightweight belt.
A win will see Chandler reign as the champion in only his second professional fight in the UFC.
Chandler spoke to Combate in an interview recently, and predicted a quick finish to the fight. However, Chandler was wary of the threat the supreme-grappler Oliveira brought to the table.
‘Iron Mike’ told Combate:
“I expect a knockout in the first or the second round, but people better be ready for a 25-minute war. When you face someone like Charles, you can be staring at the worst 25 minutes of your life. He’s been undefeated for his last eight fights to fight the greatest fight of his life. It’s his chance to shine. We’ll see the best version of him. It won’t be easy, but I believe I can win.” [via BloodyElbow]
Chandler is coming off a victory against Dan Hooker in the co-main event of UFC 257. He knocked the Kiwi out in the very first round, to start his UFC career with a bang.
Oliveira, last faced Tony Ferguson at UFC 256. No one had ever brutalized ‘El Cucuy’ like that before. It was one of the most one-sided modern-day UFC lightweight fights of all time.
Even more impressive is the fact that it has been almost 4 years since Oliveira lost.
He is riding an insane win streak of 8 wins, which includes victories over Kevin Lee, Clay Guida and Ferguson.
Chandler will be hoping to become the first man to stop Oliveira in almost 4 years, come this Saturday.
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