Michael Chandler predicts first-round KO of Charles Oliveira at UFC 262

‘He’s going to get his clock cleaned’: Michael Chandler predicts first-round KO of Charles Oliveira in UFC 262 lightweight title showdown and tells Brazilian he will ‘wake up to the bright lights with me standing on the cage’

  • Michael Chandler fights Charles Oliveira for vacant lightweight belt at UFC 262
  • American has pledged to pressure his opponent and land big shots from the off  
  • Chandler said: ‘A punch is going to land, he’s going to get his clock cleaned’
  • Winner of main event will face winner of Dustin Poirier vs Conor McGregor III

Michael Chandler has vowed to KO Brazilian opponent Charles Oliveira in their UFC 262 showdown for the vacant lightweight title. 

The American predicts a first-round stoppage this Saturday in Houston, an outcome that would effectively guarantee a fight with the winner of Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier

Oliveira possesses a masterful ground game but gives up a significant power advantage to Chandler, who pledged to capitalise on his natural strength. 

Michael Chandler (right) sees the same outcome this weekend with Charles Oliveira as there was against Dan Hooker (left) with a first round knockout 

Chandler is planning to pile the pressure on against his Brazilian opponent from the off

Chandler is planning to pile the pressure on against his Brazilian opponent from the off 

‘He’s going to get his clock cleaned’, the 35-year-old told MMA Fighting

‘I walk out into a packed arena in Houston, Texas, 19,000 red, white and blue-blooded Americans chanting my name, rooting for me. 

‘I go out there and I get in Charles Oliveira’s face immediately and he will realize and feel from the first exchange, from the pressure I put on him, he will immediately start to second guess himself. 

Chandler continued: ‘He will immediately start to overreact. He will immediately start to worry about his legs. I’ll go to his head. I’m going to go to his legs. 

‘I’m going to go to his body. I’m going to mix it up. A punch is going to land, he’s going to get his clock cleaned.

Oliveira defeated Tony Ferguson by unanimous decision for his eighth win in succession

Oliveira defeated Tony Ferguson by unanimous decision for his eighth win in succession

‘He’s going to wake up to the bright lights of me standing on top the cage about to get my hand raised and UFC gold around my waist. That’s how it’s going to go. I predict it’s going to be in the first round. 

‘Then I predict a phenomenal end to 2021 and then we’re going to carry this baby on for a couple of years.’

Chandler, former Bellator champion, made a stunning start to life in the UFC with a first round KO of Dan Hooker in January. 

While Oliveira underlined his title credentials with a hugely impressive win over Tony Ferguson at the end of last year to extend his unbeaten run to eight fights. 

Khabib’s retirement has opened the door for both me to get their hands on the belt and begin a new chapter for the 155-pound division.  

Chandler earned a title shot after only one fight in the UFC and foresees a long reign at the top

Chandler earned a title shot after only one fight in the UFC and foresees a long reign at the top