Chalres Olivera vs Michael Chandler Preview

By Tim Burke November 15, 2024 12:28

(Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

UFC 309's co-main event between Charles Olivera and Michael Chandler is official and promises a thrilling fight for the fans.

Earlier this week, there were rumors that the fight was called off and that the UFC would need a replacement fight, but those rumors turned out to be untrue. Thankfully, this fight will take place as scheduled, particularly for Michael Chandler, who has fought since November 2022.

After waiting to fight Conor McGregor for about two years, the UFC recognized Chandler's commitment and patience by placing him in a #1 contender bout for the lightweight title against Charles Olivera.

Olivera and Chandler previously met at UFC 262 for the vacant lightweight title, a fight in which Olivera won by knockout in the second round.

What did we learn from the first fight?

The first fight tells us both fighters will push to win via finish. Michael Chandler is an explosive and powerful athlete, and Charles Olivera is a determined, dangerous, and crafty fighter. What they both have in common is the ability to finish a fight at any moment.

At UFC 262, Michael Chandler dominated the first round. Still, Olivera roared back and knocked out Chandler to become the UFC lightweight champion, beginning one of the most memorable championship runs in recent memory.

"No one's ever going hit me as hard as life has hit me. So I've fallen down, and I am going to get up, and I'm going to get this belt back." Olivera stated at UFC 280.

For the last several years, Olivera has fought with the mindset that he cannot lose and will get up from anything. That is what makes him so special. Can Chandler finish Olivera? Besides Islam Makhachev, no fighter in the lightweight division has been able to stop Charles Olivera.

Will the time away from the Octagon impact Michael Chandler?

If Michael Chandler could not beat Charles Olivera at UFC 262, how would he beat him at UFC 309 after a two-year layoff?

What makes Michael Chandler special is what makes Charles Olivera special: hard work and determination to be great. Michael Chandler may have been out of the octagon for two years, but he has trained nonstop in that time frame.

"I don't believe for a hard worker like Michael Chandler that, that ring rust is going to be any sort of issue." UFC commentator Jon Anik told James Lynch in an interview on Thursday.

Despite the long layoff, Michael Chandler will be ready, explosive, and dangerous in that octagon.

What is at stake?

This is a #1 contender's fight for the lightweight division. The winner of this fight will face the winner of Arman Tsarukyan vs Islam Makhachev. The loser of this fight will lose their dream of becoming the lightweight champion of the UFC. Charles Olivera has already lived that dream. Michael Chandler has not. Charles Olivera has lost to both Arman Tsarukyan and Islam Makhachev. Michael Chandler has yet to face either fighter.

Still, Olivera has shown that he is hungrier than most former champions. That was evident in his fight with Arman Tsarukyan, which may have played out very differently if it had been five rounds.

Olivera vs Chandler is a fight between two gladiators. Two fighters who have the desire to be great. Two fighters who cannot afford to lose. On Saturday night, we will find out who the hungrier, more determined fighter is.