One of the biggest events on the UFC calendar takes place this weekend, as a huge lightweight contest between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler will headline the UFC 262 card. The action takes place at the Toyota Center in Houston, but which of the fighters will get closer to challenging for the UFC Lightweight title with a victory this weekend?
Tale of the Tape
| Charles Oliveira | Michael Chandler | |
| 31 | Age | 35 |
| 30-8 (1 NC) | Record | 22-5 |
| 5 ft 8 in | Height | 5 ft 7 in |
| 155 lbs | Weight | 155 lbs |
| 74 in | Reach | 71.5 in |
| · 11 x Performance of the Night
· 3 x Submission of the Night · 3 x Fight of the Night |
Notable Achievements | · 3 x Bellator Lightweight World Champion
· 1 x UFC Performance of the Night · Most fights in Bellator history |
Charles Oliveira vs Michael Chandler Preview
Oliveira Looking For First Lightweight Title
It will be a huge night for Charles Oliveira this weekend, as he challenges for the UFC Lightweight title for this first time in his career. He has needed to wait a long time for this opportunity, but he couldn’t come into this bout in much better form. Oliveira hasn’t lost in the octagon since a TKO loss against Paul Felder in December 2017. Since then, he has won his last eight fights in the UFC. He has also set the record for most submission victories during this period.
Oliveira broke the record for most victories by this method in the second round of his battle with Christos Giagos in September 2018. His biggest victory to date came last year, as he produced a stunning display to beat Tony Ferguson. Ferguson had been the heavy favourite going into that fight, but Oliveira demonstrated all his abilities to win by decision. The victory set up a title opportunity, and he will be keen to ensure that the chance doesn’t pass him by.
Chandler’s Second Fight In UFC
Michael Chandler will be challenging for the UFC Lightweight title this weekend in just his second fight in the UFC. However, make no mistake about it, there is nothing inexperienced about the 35-year-old. His UFC debut made headlines around the world, as he beat Dan Hooker by TKO in the first round. Many expected Chandler to have problems stepping up to UFC after spending the vast majority of his career in Bellator. However, those fears were quickly knocked back with a Performance of the Night showing.
His experience in title fights could be pivotal this weekend, as no fighter challenged for more titles in Bellator than Chandler. He also knows how to get the job done, as he won three lightweight titles during his time with the promotion. This will be his opportunity to finally prove once and for all that he can compete in the UFC.
Charles Oliveira vs Michael Chandler
Oliveira will come into the fight as the narrow 0.72 favourite with BetXChange. He has been on a roll over the past couple of years, and his ground game could just be too much for Chandler. It’s likely that he will find an opportunity to lock in a submission during the fight, and that could be his crowning moment.
