Michael Chandler understands the mistake he made in his first fight with Charles Oliveira ahead of their rematch at UFC 309 on November 16.
The former three-time Bellator lightweight champion had the chance to win 155lb gold in the UFC when he squared off against Oliveira at UFC 262 in May 2021.
Chandler hurt ‘Do Bronx’ multiple times during an enthralling first round that even saw him threaten to submit the BJJ specialist with a guillotine choke.
However, Oliveira turned things around early in round two as he dropped and stopped his opponent with a series of strikes to claim the title made vacant when Khabib Nurmagomedov retired.
Michael Chandler changes game plan for UFC 309
As he prepares for his chance at revenge, Michael Chandler has been thinking about the mistakes that cost him when he first fought Oliveira three years ago.
The 38-year-old, who hasn’t competed since being tapped out by Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 in November 2022, vows he won’t rush in, even if he hurts Oliveira at New York’s Madison Square Garden next weekend.
“The way I approach this fight is going to be different,” Chandler said on the UFC 309 Countdown show.
“When I land my punches, the follow-up shots are gonna be more calculated than wild. When I smell a finish about to happen, I am gonna slowly continue to put pressure on instead of trying to rush.
“The way it was always supposed to be. Sometimes you gotta take a loss to put yourself back up to then overcome the odds and right a wrong. And I think that’s what this is gonna be.
“There is not a man alive at 155lbs that can hang with me for 25 minutes if I fight composed and smart.
“That’s who I am now, and I’m excited to go out there and show that on November 16.”
Michael Chandler responds to UFC 309 rumor
Earlier this week, rumors began to circulate that there were issues on the side of Michael Chandler that had led to the UFC looking for a replacement opponent for Oliveira.
Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano tossed their names in the hat, stating that they would step in on short notice to fight in the UFC 309 co-main event.
Speculation surrounding his fitness got so intense that Chandler felt compelled to issue a statement addressing his health and the status of his upcoming fight.
Chandler said in a gym video on Instagram: “By the way, the entire MMA world right now, I am healthy, wealthy and wise.
“I’ve never missed weight. I’ve never pulled out of a fight. I work too damn hard to get injured or not show up for you guys. I’ll see you there on November 16.
“Like always, the most reliable guy in the sport. God bless. See you at the top.”