Vowing to be champion in 2025, Michael Chandler promises "never seen" before version against Charles Oliveira: "Something exceptional"
Michael Chandler plans to show us a dimension of his game when he returns to competition soon. The former multi-time Bellator lightweight champion will break his two-year competitive hiatus and return to the world's most famous arena. Madison Square Garden in New York City plays host to UFC 309 in less than two weeks with Chandler running it back for a rematch against Charles Oliveira.
After a fruitless two years spent chasing a Conor McGregor fight following the two coaching on season 31 of 'The Ultimate Fighter' and having a UFC 303 fight scrapped in June after a toe injury to the Irish star, Chandler is just looking to get active again.
Taking to X, Chandler did not showcase any ring rust worries and seemed ecstatic about people being days away from seeing an all-new version of him. He said:
"What you will see Nov. 16 will be something you have never seen from me. Something exceptional. Something mind blowing. Champ in 2025. #ufc309"
Check out Michael Chandler's bold claims before UFC 309 below:
Michael Chandler's story of the first Charles Oliveira fight
Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira's initial contest was a massive moment for both men in several regards.
It headlined UFC 262 in May 2021 with the vacant lightweight title hanging in the balance following then-champion Khabib Nurmagomedov's retirement the prior Fall. Chandler had a big moment of success in the opening round and seemed close to finishing the savvy Brazilian fighter in the first stanza.
The second round would see a rapid shift in momentum transpire as Oliveira would land a left hook with the follow-up ground and pound causing the referee to wave off the action. This took place less than 20 seconds into the second stanza and began a lightweight title reign for Oliveira that saw him retain the gold thereafter and beat some of the division's best.
The 38-year-old has also gone on to fight some killers at 155 pounds but Chandler had a pair of setbacks that bookended a big UFC 274 front kick finish of Tony Ferguson. The referenced losses came against Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier with Oliveira having wins over both of those fighters since the first Chandler bout.
The Missouri native could potentially vault himself right into the contendership conversations at lightweight with a strong win here over Oliveira. This considering that Oliveira is the No. 2-ranked contender in the weight category which could do a lot for the No. 7-ranked Chandler.