Highlights! Charles Oliveira survives Michael Chandler’s wild comeback attempt to win epic rematch | UFC 309

Dan Hiergesell is an expert voice who serves as MMAmania.com's weekend editor, covering mixed martial arts (MMA) for more than 15 years, getting featured on programs such as Countdown to UFC and SiriusXM Fight Club, among others.

Charles Oliveira returned to the UFC win column last night (Sat., Nov. 16, 2024) at UFC 309 LIVE on ESPN+ pay-per-view (PPV) from inside Madison Square Garden in New York City, outlasting fellow lightweight contender Michael Chandler in an entertaining co-main event rematch.

Most of the first round was spent on the ground after an awkward takedown by Oliveira had both men tied up in a pretzel. Chandler played it safe off his back while “do Bronx” also took his time for ground-and-pound and potential passes. It was pretty much a stalemate for about four-straight minutes.

Oliveira started to open up on the feet in the second round. He hurt Chandler multiple times and even had “Iron” Mike running around the Octagon in escape. Chandler eventually bit down on his mouthpiece and welcome a brawl, but that’s when Oliveira changed levels and took him down to take full mount. Oliveira would land heavy elbows from the top as Chandler turned into a human punching bag.

Oliveira stalked Chandler down on the feet early into the third round before he moved inside and took his back off a takedown. Chandler has fought Oliveira before so he was familiar with the Brazilian’s rear-naked choke. It enabled Chandler to avoid any fight-ending situations despite losing another exhausting five minutes.

The fourth round offered more of the same as Chandler’s explosive attempts on the feet fell flat and it allowed Oliveira to take him back down. Oliveira came pretty close to a rear-naked choke this time around with about one minute left, but Chandler’s defense was still on point. Fortunately for Chandler, he finally found his home for a collection of punches in the fifth round that badly hurt “do Bronx.” Oliveira seemed to be on the ropes as Chandler unloaded heavy ground-and-pound along the cage, but the former UFC lightweight champion could not be finished.

Oliveira would eventually land a late takedown in the round to once again take Chandler’s back. This time, Chandler was able to stand up, yell to the crowd, and jump up to fall onto his back. The crowd loved it so Chandler got back to his feet once more and did it again. The two fighters would show some sportsmanship in the final moments, but this co-main event rematch was all Oliveira.

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