It is unlikely that the main show will beat this fight in terms of spectacle
Getty Images/Global Images Ukraine. Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler (right)Their first fight was so vivid and epic that absolutely no one was upset to see that the rematch would take place. Perhaps they rejoiced even more than the return of Conor McGregor, which never happened.
Chandler failed in the first match. This is a typical fight for Michael in the UFC Michael Chandler in the UFC is a man who fights with his heart and soul. This is a really bright fighter who is so engrossed in offensive actions that he forgets what might come back.
Michael’s debut in the UFC in a fight against Dan Hooker turned out for the best. He won with a bright knockout and went to Charles Oliveira. I almost broke it.
The Brazilian knows how to endure after his rebirth. And in the fight with Michael, he had to do exactly that. The enraged American former UFC champion pounced on his opponent, punched him and threw him to the floor.
When Oliveira went for a neck hold from behind, what did Chandler do? He got up, jumped and fell on the back on which the Brazilian was hanging. Then he continued to physically press, try to hit, hit, knock him down and smash his face. In fact, Charles Oliveira was beaten but not broken.
The Brazilian got up, went to the corner, rested, listened to the team’s instructions. And then he took and knocked out the opponent. Chandler rushed at the opponent again, tried to get close, Charles hit a side kick, knocked the opponent down and finished. Perfect performance.
And just a great fight. Enough technique and brute force on both sides. Cool first round and a great knockout.
That is why no one was upset when it turned out that Chandler would not fight against Conor McGregor, but instead would fight Oliveira. Simply because Conor had already returned so many times that no one believed in the reality of the match.
McGregor promised, then postponed. Then again he announced some time frame and postponed it again. Endless postponements led to the fact that the match was finally canceled. Will Conor return? Maybe someday. But right now, it doesn’t look like he wants to quit drinking whiskey and announcing fighters at bare-knuckle fights instead of training and fighting.
As for Chandler, he loses a lot. Three defeats in the last five matches. He beat only Dan Hooker and Tony Ferguson. The first is obviously the worse fighter. The second is an old veteran who was knocked out.
At the same time, Michael lost to all the bigger tops. Was beaten by Charles Oliveira, held by Dustin Poirier and lost by decision to Justin Gage. All these are cool fights and wonderful, bright events. And all these defeats. But Michael is loved, he continues to train and fight with all his heart every time.
He did not wait for Oliver McGregor, so he fought more often. And he won even more – in the last five matches he has three wins and two losses. It was Gagey and Poirier who beat Chandler that Charles won. And also dealt with Beneil Dariush. He lost to Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan.
There is a question about the second match. Oliveira felt great in the fight, did not lose in the rack. But the judges gave the victory to Tsarukyan. Not a robbery, but if the victory had been given to Charles, no one would have objected.
Now, Michael and Charles are coming back after losing a match against a tough opponent. Chandler was knocked out – much more difficult. But Oliveira also experienced difficult episodes. He was thoroughly beaten in five minutes. And looking at the form of the American right now, one gets the impression that in the rematch everything will start roughly the same way.
Who is the favorite? Bookmakers consider Charles Oliveira the favorite. You can bet on it for 1.40. On Michael Chandler, the coefficient is 3.05. And in general, everything is logical.
Getty Images/Global Images Ukraine. Charles Oliveira If you look at Chandler’s form, it is truly terrifying. A naturally powerful fighter, terribly strong. But did it help him in matches against more powerful opponents precisely in terms of skills?
Michael managed to lose by knockout, decision, and reception. Complete set. At the same time, every time being in physically excellent shape.
Oliveira is quite stable. He gets out of difficult situations when everything is stacked against him. He fights well and has developed his striking very well. And he performed steadily in the last matches. Even Tsarukyan hardly lost. Unequivocal defeat only by Makhachev, but it is not surprising there – too strong champion.
However, the issue of the winner is secondary here. The main thing is how dynamic the show will be and how bright the victory of this or that fighter will be. After this, such a match is turned on.
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The match ended in a dry draw – 0:0
The contender was five kilograms heavier than the champion
