Charles Oliveira Beats Michael Chandler by Decision in UFC 309 Co-Main Event Fight

Alex BallentineNovember 17, 2024

Charles OliveiraChris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Charles Oliveira got back in the win column with a unanimous decision win over Michael Chandler in the co-main event of UFC 309 from Madison Square Garden in New York City.

UFC News @UFCNews#UFC309 Official Result: Charles Oliveira (@CharlesDoBronxs 49-46, 49-46, 49-45) defeats Michael Chandler by Unanimous Decision

Complete Main Card Results ➡️ https://t.co/41nbtKl0Tp

Oliveira’s clear advantage on the ground was showcased early on. He controlled a large portion of the first round with his grappling and forced Chandler to fend off a leg submission attempt.

Chandler was able to survive the round without real danger of the fight being stopped.

The same couldn’t be said for the second round. Oliveira once again was able to get the fight to the mat and played things even more confidently once he was there.

Ben Fowlkes @benfowlkesMMAChandler got taken down, mounted, and really didn’t even try to escape. The whole focus was on survival there.

The Oliveira Show continued in Round 3 with just a few moments toward the end of the round in which Chandler was able to get to his feet and throw a few strikes.

To Chandler’s credit, he didn’t give up on himself and even gave a little smile for the cameras at the end of the round.

SportsCenter @SportsCenterChandler was smiling at the end of the round 😅 #UFC309 | LIVE NOW on ESPN+ PPV 🍿 https://t.co/r6vTwiPiXt pic.twitter.com/58nmrtE36o

Chandler’s durability and toughness really made a difference in the fifth round of the fight. After spending much of the fight simply surviving he went into attack mode in the final round. Chanlder floord Oliveira and followed it up with several shots on the ground that many thought were illegal strikes.

Nolan King @mma_kingsHow many strikes to the back of head was that? C’mon, Keith #UFC309

Oliveira was able to get back to the feet and ultimately survived the round to get the win, but Chandler at least went down swinging in a wildly entertaining fifth round. He even threw a few borderline WWE slams in at the end for good measure.

SportsCenter @SportsCenterWHAT A WAY TO THE END FIGHT FOR MICHAEL CHANDLER AND CHARLES OLIVEIRA 👏 #UFC309 pic.twitter.com/vPy2Hu4CDh

The win was crucial for Oliveira to put himself back in contention. The Brazilian had lost two of his last three fights coming into the co-main event opportunity. Islam Makhachev submitted him tine second round in 2022 and he lost a title eliminator against Arman Tsarukyan by split decision last time out.

A third loss in four fights would have been a death knell to Olveira’s title shot chances.

Now, he has a chance to work himself toward another crack at the belt. In fact, he might have already earned it. Current champion Islam Makhachev took to X to bring attention to Saturday’s co-main event.

Makhachev Islam @MAKHACHEVMMAChandler vs Olivera 2 is very interesting fight to watch.

Get an impressive win and champ might grant you an audience next 😉

It’s worth noting that Oliveira just turned 35 years old and already has a lengthy career in the UFC. However, he’s also noted that the recent birth of his son has him feeling rejuvenated and focused on adding accomplishments to his career.

“I’m here for history, I’m here for legacy, I’m here to be a champion. When my son was born, I said, ‘Your dad is going to be a champion again just like when your dad was a champion for his daughter.’ That’s my promise,” he told Kevin Schuster of UFC.com.

The win over Chandler certainly keeps those hopes alive moving forward.