Michael Chandler isn’t ruling out the possibility of an immediate rematch against Charles Oliveira, who TKO’d him in the second round at UFC 262 earlier this month to win the vacant UFC lightweight title.
Apart from an early submission scare, Chandler dominated the majority of the first frame, hurting Oliveira midway through the round and unloading a barrage of strikes on him until the buzzer. The Brazilian turned the tables early in the second round however, and hurt the former Bellator champion with a check left hook, before going in for the kill.
Immediate Rematch
Speaking to MMA Junkie, Chandler said that there’s a case for an immediate rematch. Or if not, then he’s potentially only one win away from another shot at the title.
“There’s a case to be out there, and I’ve seen a lot of people say maybe an immediate rematch,” Chandler said. “There’s a case to be made that I have one fight and beat any other guys in the top five, and I’m right there. I do believe I’m a big player at this point.
“I do believe I’m world-class. I do believe I’m just as good as any of these guys. I do believe that Charles Oliveira beats anybody else in the top five. You look him against [Dustin] Poirier, you look at him against Conor [McGregor], you look at him against [Justin] Gaethje. I mean that’s a tough test for anybody, so losing to Charles Oliveira doesn’t make me a guy that shouldn’t be fighting for a world title anytime soon.”
Willing To Rebuild
At 35 years old, Chandler has previously said that he doesn’t have time on his side. With that in mind, he plans to earn another title shot by the end of next year.
“At this point, I don’t put any limits on what could happen,” Chandler said. “Immediate rematch could be a possibility, who knows? One fight could be a possibility, and then I’m fighting for the world title again by first quarter of next year. I’m not putting limits on anything. Obviously I have a limited time period. I’m not going to be here for a ton longer, so I want to get that title shot again before the end of next year. Either way, I’m willing to cut my teeth. I’m willing to rebuild.”
Do you think Michael Chandler deserves an immediate rematch with Charles Oliveira?
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