In the main event of UFC 262, we crowned a new lightweight champion of the world. “Iron” Michael Chandler (22-5) was getting a shot at the vacant lightweight championship against Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira (30-8, 1 NC).
Michael Chandler has been one of the best lightweights in the world for years. However, with him fighting in Bellator, many people didn’t take him seriously. That all changed back at UFC 257 in January.
After signing with the UFC last year, Chandler took on Dan Hooker in the co-main event of UFC 257. Chandler knocked out Dan Hooker in the first round to make a massive statement to the rest of the lightweights.
Between his knockout performance and his willingness to fight anyone, the UFC gave him this shot tonight. Standing in his way was the hottest fighter in the lightweight division, Charles Oliveira.
Do Bronx has really grown up inside the octagon. He made his UFC debut back when the promotion still had shows on Fuel TV which is no longer a television network. Oliveira began his career at featherweight.
After having some ups and downs at 145, Oliveira came into his own at lightweight. Now, Oliveira has won eight straight in the UFC‘s toughest division and the promotion gave him this title shot on the heels of his dominant win over former interim champion Tony Ferguson.
UFC 262 Recap
Round 1
The UFC 262 main event starts with a touch of the gloves. Two big kicks from Oliveira starts the striking. Chandler throws a big right to the body and Oliveira lands another big calf kick.
Big left hook lands for Michael Chandler and Oliveira shoots for a takedown. Chandler has a guillotine and it looks deep, but Oliveira stays relaxed and gets out of it. Oliveira ends up getting the back of Michael Chandler.
Chandler gets up and tries a back slam, but Oliveira sticks to him like glue. Oliveira is bleeding, but he’s got the body triangle locked in. Chandler explodes out of the position and Chandler is back on his feet.
Big shots from the top from Michael Chandler. Oliveira is up and they’re back to striking. Huge hooks land for Chandler and Oliveira is in deep trouble. Chandler tries to finish, but he lands in the guard of Oliveira.
Oliveira is trying to attack off his back, but Chandler is too strong early. Big elbows from Michael Chandler. More big shots from Michael Chandler land with seconds left in the round. The bell sounds and a huge opening round at UFC 262 for Michael Chandler.
Round 2
Entering the second round at UFC 262 and all the momentum is with Michael Chandler. Big jab lands for Michael Chandler but Charles Oliveira lands a massive hook and Chandler is hurt badly.
Oliveira follows up and Chandler is out. Charles Oliveira turns it around in an instance and he’s the new UFC lightweight champion.
Charles Oliveira def. Michael Chandler by TKO – Round 2