Chandler Vows to “Mind-Blow” Oliveira at UFC 309 Rematch

At UFC 309 this weekend, Michael Chandler is determined to avenge his previous loss to former UFC lightweight champion Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira. The co-main event showdown between these two elite lightweights has fight fans buzzing with anticipation.

Chandler, the former three-time Bellator champion, is no stranger to big fights at the iconic Madison Square Garden venue. However, his previous three outings at the “World’s Most Famous Arena” have all ended in defeat. Now, the 38-year-old American is determined to change his fortunes and finally taste victory at the hallowed New York City arena.

“It’s okay. You can say that my record at Madison Square Garden is 0-and-3. So, I’m deciding to change that this time,” Chandler told the NY Post. “It’s a huge blessing to be considered for the Madison Square Garden card.”

The former interim title challenger is brimming with confidence ahead of his rematch with Oliveira. Chandler recently vowed to “mind blow” everyone and bring the fireworks when he steps into the octagon. He even promised the main event headliner, Jon Jones, that he would “steal the show.”

However, Oliveira remains unfazed by Chandler’s ambitious plans. “I know he’s a tough guy, but I’m ready for him,” the Brazilian told MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck. “I know he’s very motivated and a very tough opponent. But I’m also very ready and highly motivated. I’m ready to go.”

The first meeting between these two lightweights came at UFC 262 in May 2021, where Oliveira emerged victorious via a second-round TKO. Chandler had his moments in the fight, even dropping Oliveira in the opening round, but was ultimately unable to finish the resilient Brazilian.

Now, nearly two years later, Chandler is confident he can turn the tables and finally defeat Oliveira. In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, the Missouri native revealed his prediction for the rematch.

“So, I’ve actually envisioned that a couple different times. I don’t know if it’s going to be a right hand, a left hook, or what it’s going to be. However, I firmly believe that Charles Oliveira will experience a separation from consciousness.

Chandler’s belief in his ability to knock out Oliveira stems from his extensive preparations for their first meeting. Despite the disappointing outcome, the former Bellator champion learned valuable lessons that he believes will help him emerge victorious this time around.

“It was a great process for me,” Chandler explained. “It was beneficial. So many wonderful things came from it. Yeah, I think Chandler vs. McGregor needs to happen at some point, and I do believe it will. If he returns to the UFC, he will face one opponent. It goes through Nashville, Tennessee. We have to finish TUF 31, so I’ll take care of business on Saturday night and see what is next.”

Chandler’s remarks about a potential matchup with Conor McGregor suggest he has his sights set on bigger fights in the future. However, the veteran fighter knows he must first get past Oliveira to keep those dreams alive.

For Oliveira, the UFC 309 bout represents a chance to bounce back from his recent loss to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300. The former champion is eager to prove he remains one of the elite lightweights in the division.

With both men’s reputations on the line, UFC 309’s co-main event promises to be a thrilling clash between two of the sport’s most talented and experienced lightweights. Fans can expect fireworks when Chandler and Oliveira step into the Octagon on November 16 in New York City.

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