Charles Oliveira survives late scare to beat Michael Chandler at UFC 309

The Brazilian came into the clash off the back of a agonising defeat to Arman Tsarukyan, but faced a tough test on his return against the former title challenger

Charles Oliveira put his name back in contention for a shot at the lightweight title after defeating Michael Chandler for a second time at UFC 309.

The Brazilian was looking to get back to winning ways after suffering a narrow defeat to Arman Tsarukyan - who is expected to face champion Islam Makhachev early next year - at UFC 300. 'Do Bronx' is eager to regain the throne and the win over Chandler will certainly help his chances of competing for the 155lb strap once again.

The pair first went toe-to-toe three years ago for the vacant lightweight title. In what was an epic back-and-forth dust-up, Chandler was the aggressor early doors and caused the Brazilian real issues early and was close to ending the contest within the opening five minutes. That said, 'Do Bronx' sensationally turned it around in the second round, needing just 19 seconds to knock his American rival out. This time around, it was a little more intense and dramatic

Both men were respectful ahead of the clash, touching gloves before the mouthwatering contest got underway. Straight from the off, Chandler was eager to dictate proceedings. Very briefly, Oliveira seemed to have trouble with his eye after a potential poke by Chandler. The American used his jab to try and catch the former champion off guard. Eventually, Oliveira was able to control the tempo, before landing a sharp shot which then allowed the Brazilian to back Chandler against the cage and then take the 'Iron' down. While 'Do Bronx' offered nothing on top-position, he dominated the round.

The second round saw Chandler breathing very heavily and on the backfoot. Oliveira was explosive from the second bell, landing some tidy shots, catching Chandler with a brutal left hand which caused him to stumble. The Brazilian landed another cracking right hand before taking the American to the ground. Unlike the first round, Oliveira was able to dominate on top and land some nasty elbows, but was unable to secure a submission.

Round three, similar to the second, saw Oliveira dictate the pace - mixing in some nice uppercuts and knees up top, catching his rival off guard before, once again, taking Chandler's back and successfully getting the fight to the floor. Once again, the American did well off his back and never looked in danger of being stopped.

Into the championship rounds, a gassed and bloodied Chandler, still in the bout, was once again backpedalling and fighting on the backfoot. Oliveira was quick to press forward and chase the takedown. It was baffling to see how Chandler stayed in the fight in the first 20 minutes considering how much damage he was taking on the canvas.

With five minutes to go, Chandler had to empty the gas tank, and caught Oliveira, nearly finishing the fight himself. The Brazilian looked on the ropes, but considering how gassed out Chandler was, he couldn't get it done. Despite showing great heart, the American was eventually taken down again, allowing 'Do Bronx' to control the rest of the bout. The former lightweight champion got the nod on the judges' scorecards (49-46,49-46,49-45).

It's clear that Oliveira is after a crack at the title next. Speaking to Joe Rogan after the contest, he said: "This guy is one of the toughest guys I've ever fought, he has all my respect. Hunter, Dana, whoever is next in line, I'll be front row next year and I'll be next."

As for Chandler, even in defeat, he's still eager for a big fight and has once again called for a fight with Conor McGregor. "I have a bunch of callouts.... maybe Max Holloway for the BMF title.... or Conor McGregor, if you can ever get your house in order, come back and beat me if you can." Both Chandler and McGregor were opposing coaches on the UFC's reality television series The Ultimate Fighter last year - which eventually led to the fight being booked earlier this year. The pair were due to fight at UFC 303 back in June, however, the Irishman pulled out at less than two weeks' notice after breaking his toe in training.

Elsewhere on the card, Bo Nickal kept his undefeated record intact following a big unanimous decision victory over former light-heavyweight star Paul Craig. Mauricio Ruffy continued his hot streak inside the cage with a decision win over James Llontop in a catchweight bout.