Dana White lauds Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler after easy negotiations for UFC 309 clash
Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler are set to run back their epic UFC 262 title clash when they meet at UFC 309 in November. The announcement has come as a surprise to MMA fans, with Chandler expected to face Conor McGregor upon the Irishman's return.
But the continual delays to McGregor's return has seen Chandler's patience wear thin, and his swift acceptance of a rematch with 'do Bronx', as well as the Brazilian's mutual interest in the bout, has been praised by UFC CEO Dana White.
White has never been shy of criticizing fighters on the UFC roster who have been difficult to work with. But following the confirmation that 'Iron' would face Oliveira once again, he shared how easy it was to schedule the upcoming clash.
He appeared in front of the media ahead of Noche UFC 306, set to take place on Sept. 14, and said this about Oliveira vs. Chandler:
"Negotiating with Michael Chandler and Oliveira is like the easiest thing to do in the world. They're both absolute studs who love to fight and will fight anybody, anywhere, anytime. They couldn't be better human beings. So that part is easy."
He continued:
"As far as the matchup, I mean, the answer to that is explosive. Both of those guys, stylistically it's impossible on every level for that fight not to be bada*s."
Watch White discuss Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler below (13:55):
Michael Chandler sheds light on choosing Charles Oliveira fight
Michael Chandler was expected to be the man to welcome Conor McGregor back to the octagon.
However, according to Dana White, delays on the Irishman's side led to a potential fight date being pushed further and further back, which has resulted in the fight now looking to have been scrapped by the promotion.
'Iron' has now opened up about his decision to accept a rematch with Charles Oliveira instead of waiting for McGregor's eventual return. He took to YouTube and said this:
"I think you guys have forgotten who Michael Chandler is... I took a quick little detour to chase this thing, the opportunity of The Ultimate Fighter. Six weeks filming The Ultimate Fighter, 12 hours, 12 weeks on ESPN... I beat Charles Oliveira, I become the number one contender... I can choose to go fight Islam [Makhachev] or Arman [Tsarukyan]. I believe it's gonna be Islam."
Catch Michael Chandler's comments below (0:55):