At this weekend’s UFC 262, the lightweight throne will be on the line in the main event. Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler will battle it out to become the new undisputed champion of the 155 lbs division of the UFC. The belt will be up for grabs after the promotion made Khabib Nurmagomedov’s decision to retire official.
The Brazilian, Oliveira, holds the record for the most submissions in the history of the UFC. The fighter, who is currently on an 8-fight winning streak, beat marquee names like Kevin Lee and Tony Ferguson in his last two fights. ‘Do Bronx’ has a record of 30-8-1 with 27 finishes (19 submissions and 8 T/KO).
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As for ‘Iron’, this will be his second UFC appearance. The former multi-time Bellator champion knocked out Dan Hooker in his promotional debut at UFC 257. Now, he has the chance to become the undisputed no. 1 lightweight on the planet. Chandler has a record of 22-5 with 17 (10 T/KO and 7 submissions) finishes on his resume.
Charles Oliveira vs Michael Chandler: Analysis
Oliveira is perhaps the best submission artist in the history of the UFC. He has an uncanny ability to submit his opponents from any position. Also, he showed his wrestling expertise in his last fight against Ferguson. But that might be neutralized, as Chandler himself is a decorated wrestler. While it’s tough to take ‘Iron’ down, it’s even tougher to keep him there.
Imago
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JANUARY 23: (R-L) Michael Chandler punches Dan Hooker of New Zealand in a lightweight fight during the UFC 257 event inside Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 23, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
As for Chandler, he is one of the most explosive and powerful guys in the division. ‘Iron’ possesses legitimate one-punch knockout power in his shots. UFC fans saw this in his bout against ‘The Hangman‘. Also, Chandler has the gas tank to go the full 5-rounds if needed. His wars against Benson Henderson and Eddie Alvarez are a testament to the same.
Also Read: Is Tony Ferguson a Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu?
Chandler might just pressure Oliveira in the early minutes and keep him stacked up against the fence, thus forcing him to change his fight style. Also, as Oliveira is not a one-shot knockout artist, ‘Iron‘ won’t be very worried about his power.
Hence, it’s all Chandler, and we are backing him to get a first-round knockout finish to become the undisputed UFC lightweight champion.
Final Prediction: Chandler by first-round knockout
