UFC 309: Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler: Live round-by-round updates
A lightweight matchup between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler will serve as the co-main event for UFC 309, later this evening (Nov. 16) at Madison Square Garden, New York. The pair have clashed once before at UFC 262 in 2021, where Oliveira registered a second-round TKO to claim the 155-pound title.
Currently ranked No.2 in the division, Oliveira (34-10-1) will be hoping to get another crack at the title with a win this weekend. 'Do Bronx' is 3-2 in his last five, most recently suffering a split decision loss to the No.1 contender Arman Tsarukyan.
The Brazilian is considered one of the most prolific grapplers in the UFC and holds 21 submission wins to his name.
The other half of the event, Chandler (23-8), is one of the most exciting fighters on the roster. The American boasts proficient stand-up and solid wrestling skills to boot.
He is a former there-time Bellator lightweight champion, and while he is 2-3 in his last five, 'Iron's' pressure-fighting style is a handful for any fighter on the planet.
The oddsmakers see Oliveira as a -270 favorite for the match-up with Chandler as a +215 underdog.
The main card is now underway. Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from the fight card.
Check out the final face-off for the UFC 309 co-main event below:
UFC 309: Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler
Round 1
Oliveira opens with a front kick and Chandler looks like he is waiting for an opportunity to explode into a flurry. Oliveira is rubbing his eye, something seems to bothering the Brazilian's vision.
Oliveira commits to a double leg and takes 'Iron' down. The commentary team points out that Chandler is the treat of a heel hook submission. 'Do Bronx' now weighs heavy on top of the American; he is trying to secure a full mount.
Chandler is poking at his opponent with punches from below but is unable to get back up to his feet. Despite rocking up control time Oliveira was largely unable to damage his opponent from top control.
Our score: 10-9 Chandler.
Round 2
Oliveira backs Chandler up with oblique kicks. Chandler explodes with a 1-2 to his opponent's midsection. Wow!!! Oliveira comes back with a flurry that puts Chandler down on the canvas. 'Iron' recovers but gets hit with a right hand, forcing him to rush away to make distance.
'Do Bronx' connects with a knee strike to the head. A desperate Chandler loads up on his punches missing most of them. 'Do Bronx' cliches up and before changing levels. He secures full mount and unloads debilitating elbows on 'Iron'.
A great round for Oliveira.
Our score: 10-8 Oliveira.
Round 3
Chandler opens the round with a jab. He is now on the front foot, trying to mount an effective offensive. 'Do Bronx' ties a level change but Chandler defends it. A uppercut lands for the Brazilian.
Chandler lands a powerful jab but gets hit back with an uppercut followed by a leaping knee strike. Oliveira is teeing off on Chandler near the cage. The former lightweight champion picks up and slams Chandler before taking 'Iron's' back.
The Brazilian is now trying to lock in a submission. Oliveira lands 12-6 elbows. 'Iron' is in bad shape, this round is all Oliveira. 'Do Bronx' almost locks in a rear-naked choke, but Chandler slips out of it.
Our score: 10-9 Oliveira.
Round 4
Chandler lands a debilitating overhand left but gets pushback with a calf kick. Oliveira now comes back with a left hand followed by a jumping knee to the head.
Chandler is trying to punch his way out of trouble, however 'Do Bronx' cliches up before dragging his opponent the ground. Oliveira takes his opponent's back and is now trying to sink in a rear-naked choke.
Chandler is hand-fighting, trying to isolate his opponent's hand. 'Iron's tires to roll out of position but is unsuccessful. Oliveira now almost has his under his opponent's chin, but Chandler defends the choke. Oliveira still has the body triangle locked in.
Our score: 10-9 Oliveira.
Round 5
Iron is throwing bombs. A push kick to the leg by Oliveira stuns 'Iron'. A right-hand gets through for Chandler, he follows it up with another combo. 'Do Bronx' is clearly hurt. A desperate Oliveira tries to take his opponent down, but Chandler defends and gets top control.
'Iron' is unloading vicious elbows, he might get a finish. Oliveira tries to lock in a triangle but fails. As the pair gets back to their feet Chandler lands a powerful right hand.
Oliveira times a perfect takedown and takes his opponent's back before trying to lock in a rear-naked choke. A desperate Chandler gets up and rallies the crowd, before slamming backward onto the ground. Seeing he failed to get Oliveira off of him, Chandler gets up once again to pull off the same move.
The closing bell rings. What a fight.
Our score: 10-9 Chandler.
Official decision: Charles Oliveira def. Michael Chandler via unanimous decision (49-46,49-46,49-45).
Check out the official decision below: