As Oliveira celebrates this hard-fought win, the road ahead looks promising. His focus is firmly on the title shot, and with his performance against Chandler, he has proven he belongs in the conversation for the championship.
For Chandler, this match highlighted his resilience and ability to push through adversity, even after a two-year layoff. While he may have fallen short, his performance, particularly in the final round, showcased his potential to remain a top contender in the lightweight division.
UFC 309 will be remembered not only for the thrilling bout between Oliveira and Chandler but also for its implications in the lightweight championship landscape. As the fighters look towards their next challenges, fans can anticipate more exciting matchups in the future.
With this victory, Oliveira positions himself as a top contender for the lightweight title. UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is set to defend his title against Arman Tsarukyan in early 2025. Oliveira made it clear he intends to be next in line, stating, “Whoever wins, I will be there in January.”
His victory not only ties him for second place in UFC history for most wins with 23 but also solidifies his status as a formidable force in the lightweight division. Oliveira’s relentless pursuit of the title is evident, and fans can expect him to be a significant player in upcoming matchups.
owever, the fight took an unexpected turn in the fifth round. Chandler, known for his tenacity, came out swinging after his corner urged him to take risks. He opened the final round with a powerful right hand that caught Oliveira off guard, demonstrating his relentless spirit.
Despite being on the back foot for most of the fight, Chandler managed to secure the top position and unleashed a flurry of punches and elbows, putting Oliveira in a precarious position. The intensity of Chandler’s attack was palpable, and for a moment, it seemed he might turn the tide.
“I’m not here to be just a fighter; I’m here to entertain,” Chandler exclaimed to the crowd, encapsulating the dramatic momentum shift.