Michael Chandler failed to get revenge on Charles Oliveira at UFC 309.
The former three-time Bellator champion was knocked out when he fought Oliveira for the UFC lightweight title in March 2021, and the Brazilian improved to 2-0 when they played again on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Chandler trailed 4-0 before things got extremely interesting in the fifth and final round of UFC 309.
'Iron Mike' gingerly tossed in the victory and it almost paid off when he badly upset Oliveira, who managed to survive the onslaught, taking a unanimous decision victory and putting himself back in the 155-pound title mix.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
The Story of Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler 2
An eye poke was the first major attack of the UFC 309 co-main event, but Charles Oliveira managed to shake it off and force Michael Chandler to the ground.
'Do Bronx' ended up in an awkward position, creating the possibility of a leg lock attempt, but the former champion ultimately opted against the attack as he settled for seeing the round in top position.
Oliveira dropped Chandler early in the second as he threatened to repeat his finish from three years ago.
'Iron Mike' survived the flurry but found himself ridden and pounded until the round ended.
Chandler opted to position himself against the fence as he tried to trade punches with Oliveira early in the third round, but it wasn't long before he was breathing with his mouth wide open as he delivered plenty of punishment.
Once again, Oliveira put him on the ground with ease. The Brazilian submission specialist quickly jumped onto Chandler's back, where he attempted submissions and continued with strikes until the round was over.
Chandler came out of the fourth round swinging. The 38-year-old landed a few striking punches but they weren't enough to dent Oliveira, who continued to press forward before jumping onto his opponent's back from a clinching position.
At this point a clear pattern emerged. Oliveira dominated with ground strikes and submission attempts, while Chandler showed grit to survive the punishment and reach the fifth round.
Chandler's corner team told him he needed a finish in the final five minutes, and he almost got it when he wobbled Oliveira before hitting him with punches as they went to the floor.
The KO didn't come. Oliveira got back to his feet before being taken down again. In the final seconds, Chandler stood up before throwing himself to the ground twice in remarkable scenes that sent the crowd, including Donald Trump, into a frenzy.
It earned a few new fans at that point, but the three judges at the cage showed him virtually no love as they returned the scorecards 49-46, 49-46 and 49-45 in Oliveira's favor.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Michael Chandler calls out Conor McGregor
Chandler was scheduled to fight Conor McGregor at UFC 303 in June, but MMA's biggest star broke his toe in training and pulled out of the bout.
Dana White recently revealed that McGregor will likely return sometime in 2025, and if he does, Chandler wants to be the man he faces in his first fight since suffering a broken leg at UFC 264 in July 2021.
“I have a lot of calls,” Chandler said against Joe Rogan after the fight at UFC 309. “Forget proclaiming Islam [Makhachev]Charles then does so. Maybe Max Holloway for the BMF belt or Conor McGregor if you can ever get your house in order.
“While we true professionals have been keeping the Octagon warm, we were wondering where you are, Conor. Come back and beat me if you can!'
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