The main event of UFC 262 featured a lightweight title fight between two men who took very different paths to this moment. For Michael Chandler, he was trying to become just the second man to win Bellator and Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight gold after 10 years with the competition. For Charles Oliveira, his 11-year and 26 fight UFC run were all built to what he hoped would be his coronation as the best 155-pound fighter in the world. The coronation is now complete
Charles Oliveira stops Michael Chandler with strikes in the second round
Chandler tried power shot early in the first but Oliveira stayed out of danger and tried to counter. However, Chandler eventually landed a solid shot that the Brazilian did not like. Making Oliveira go for and score a takedown. Chandler defended it with what seemed like a deep guillotine choke. Oliveira escaped and eventually gained the back of his opponent. That was until the American exploded free and would take the fight back the feet soon after. There, Chandler stunned the Brazilian again and looked near a finish but Oliveira survived. Nonetheless, it was a big first round for the former Bellator lightweight champion.
After a wild first round, it wasn’t a surprise that the fight ended in the second round. However, it came from “Do Bronx” dealing out the heavy punches. Just a few seconds into the round, the 31-year-old landed a crisp left hook that stunned Chandler and sent him reeling. Oliveira immediately pounced with precision strikes and it wasn’t long before the referee jumped in to pull the new champion of the world off of his beaten foe.
After 27 fights, the promise of Oliveira that was shown 11 years ago was finally delivered in him becoming the new UFC lightweight champion. It was the perfect showcase for Oliveira as he not only showed he is much more than just a submission specialist, but he is a dangerous striker who is tough enough to take as much as he can give out. His first title defense will likely come from the Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor trilogy bout in July if UFC history is any indicator.
As for Chandler, It is a tough setback for the 35-year-old “Iron” Mike. He came so close to making history but his opponent showed championship durability in the first round. With Oliveira’s next opponent likely set, it seems like Chandler versus Justin Gaethje is a logical choice for the Bellator legend after tonight.
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