Following the retirement of former UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler faced off in the main event of UFC 262 to see who would become the new titleholder. After a first round that nearly saw Chandler finish the fight early, Oliveira made quick work of his opponent within seconds of the start of round two.
An early leg kick from Oliveira nearly sent Chandler tumbling to the canvas, but he recovered quickly. The fighters exchanged blows before Chandler threw out a combo that ended with a big left hook. Oliveira countered with a takedown, and Chandler defended with a tight guillotine. Oliveira got his head out and took Chandler’s back, locking in a body triangle that tightened when Chandler slammed him backward. Oliveira wasn’t able to lock in a choke, but threw in a few punches and elbows before Chandler was able to roll out, defending himself against a triangle attempt from Oliveira in the process. Chandler ended up on top with Oliveira playing open guard, and after Oliveira got to his feet, Chandler battered him back against the fence, with Oliveira taking a few huge hits before saving himself by trapping Chandler in his closed guard, where he stayed until the end of the first round.
A combo from Oliveira finished with a left hand that sent Chandler tumbling back, but he was somehow able to stay conscious. The remainder of his time in the fight saw him running from a relentless Oliveira, who pummeled him with punches until a final hit dropped him. He finished the fight with a few more hits from the ground, and the referee stopped the fight.
Charles Oliveira was declared the winner via TKO nineteen seconds into the second round and became the new UFC Lightweight Champion.
OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!!!
??@CharlesDoBronxs #UFC262 pic.twitter.com/g0lLQSi1lC
— UFC (@ufc) May 16, 2021
Full Results:
Prelims:
- Christos Giagos def. Sean Soriano via Brabo choke (Round 1)
- Tucker Lutz def. Kevin Aguilar via decision
- Gina Mazany def. Priscila Cachoeira via TKO (Round 2)
- Andrea Lee def. Antonina Shevchenko via triangle-armbar (Round 2)
- Jordan Wright def. Jamie Pickett via TKO
- Lando Vannata def. Mike Grundy via decision
- Andre Muniz def. Ronaldo “Jacare†Souza via armbar (Round 1)
Main Card:
- Edson Barboza def. Shane Burgos via KO (Round 3)
- Katlyn Chookagian def. Viviane Araujo via decision
- Rogerio Bontorin def. Matthew Schnell via decision
- Beneil Dariush def. Tony Ferguson via decision
- Charles Oliveira def. Michael Chandler via TKO (Round 2)
