Former lightweight champion Michael Chandler has expressed his admiration for Charles Oliveira’s exceptional performance at UFC 289, as he stopped Beneil Dariush in the first round.
Chandler (23-8 MMA, 2-3 UFC), who has sparred with Oliveira (34-9 MMA, 22-9 UFC) in the past, acknowledged the latter’s impressive victory over him at UFC 262, where Oliveira claimed the lightweight title.
Despite the defeat, Chandler has kept a close eye on his rival’s progress. In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chandler couldn’t contain his excitement as he heaped praise upon Oliveira’s performance.
“Guys, Charles Oliveira is an absolute savage,” Chandler
Chandler was particularly impressed by Oliveira’s management of the fight against Dariush. The victory not only halted Dariush’s momentum but also positioned Oliveira favorably for another shot at the championship.
“The biggest thing that needs to be said about this performance: This is a title eliminator. This is Charles Oliveira staking his claim that I am one of the best lightweights on the planet,” Chandler
Chandler’s admiration for Oliveira extends beyond his recent victory, as he dreams of a rematch with the Brazilian fighter.
While the matchup hasn’t been officially announced, it is expected that Chandler will face “The Notorious” Conor McGregor later this year after their involvement as coaches on “The Ultimate Fighter Season 31” reality series.
While Oliveira is currently targeting a rematch with Islam Makhachev, a potential rematch with Chandler remains a possibility, depending on how events unfold in the coming year.
“I hope to share the octagon with him again, eventually. I would like to run that one back, obviously,” Chandler