Charles Oliveira made a successful return to the octagon with a unanimous decision victory over Michael Chandler in the co-main event of UFC 309, held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Oliveira’s grappling skills were on full display, allowing him to dominate the first round and attempt a leg submission that Chandler managed to evade.
As the fight progressed into the second round, Oliveira continued to assert his ground control, becoming increasingly confident. The third round showcased more of Oliveira’s prowess, although Chandler showed resilience, managing to get back on his feet and throw strikes towards the end.
Chandler’s tough demeanor shone through in the final round. After primarily defending himself throughout the match, he turned aggressive, even flooring Oliveira and following up with strikes that raised eyebrows regarding their legality. Oliveira demonstrated his determination by recovering and finishing the fight on his feet, securing the victory.
This win was pivotal for Oliveira, who had faced setbacks in his last few fights, including a submission loss to Islam Makhachev and a split decision defeat against Arman Tsarukyan. A third loss in four fights might have jeopardized his chances for a title shot, but now he finds himself in contention once again. Notably, Makhachev acknowledged Oliveira’s performance on social media after the bout.
At 35 years old, Oliveira has an extensive UFC career, but he feels revitalized since the birth of his son, driving him to seek greater achievements. He expressed a heartfelt promise, stating, “Your dad is going to be a champion again just like when your dad was a champion for his daughter.”
Oliveira’s journey offers hope and inspiration, showing that with determination and support from family, one can overcome challenges and aim for greatness in their sport.
Summary: Charles Oliveira defeated Michael Chandler by unanimous decision at UFC 309, showcasing his grappling strength and resilience. This victory helps Oliveira regain momentum in his career as he aims for another title shot, fueled by personal motivation following the birth of his son.