The UFC is always committed to delivering fans a stacked fight card, with at least one or two big matchups every month. November is no exception as we count down to UFC 309, set to make waves in the heart of ‘The Big Apple.’ The main event will feature a heavyweight clash between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, but the co-main event has fans buzzing the most. Ranked #7 in the lightweight division, Michael Chandler is making his return to the Octagon to face former division champion Charles Oliveira.

This fight is pivotal for ‘Iron’, whose career has been on pause while he awaited a potential ‘red panty night‘ with UFC superstar Conor McGregor. But, putting that on hold with no hard feelings towards the Irishman, Chandler is now set to make his comeback with a refreshed mindset that could be the key to a future title shot. Before we jump into predicting the outcome, let’s take a closer look at both lightweight contenders’ records to analyze what their futures might hold.

UFC 309: Charles Oliveira vs Michael Chandler stats

Former three-time Bellator Lightweight Champion Michael Chandler is a name that needs no introduction in the world of mixed martial arts. ‘Iron’ has been a staple in the fight game since 2009, amassing an impressive tally of 23 wins. His career began with a bang as he built a remarkable 12-fight winning streak that started in the regional leagues in Missouri, moving to Strikeforce, and eventually Bellator. However, in the later stages of his career, Chandler’s journey saw a series of ups and downs.

In 2021, Michael Chandler made his much-anticipated UFC debut against Dan Hooker, securing a scintillating win. However, his next fight against Charles Oliveira for the 155lbs gold ended in a loss, and ‘Iron’ now holds a 1-3 record in his four UFC appearances, with his most recent defeat coming against Dustin Poirier in 2022.

In contrast, Charles Oliveira boasts 34 wins and has enjoyed a more stable career than Michael Chandler’s. Though three years younger, ‘Do Bronx’ has been in the UFC since 2010. After some early career ups and downs, his golden period arrived in 2018 when he went on an impressive 11-fight winning streak, defeating opponents like Kevin Lee and Tony Ferguson, and eventually claimed the UFC lightweight championship. However, in his last four bouts, Oliveira has a 2-2 record, with his most recent fight ending in a loss to Arman Tsarukyan at the historic UFC 300.

But are stats all we need to predict how the fight will go? It’s hard to say just yet. Both Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira are renowned for their grappling prowess. Oliveira is considered to be the most lethal submission artist in the UFC owing to his elite BJJ skills while Chandler also boasts an impressive background in D1 wrestling. But neither shies away from using strikes to put their opponents to sleep, making it difficult to push for clear predictions. Let’s put on our speculation caps and analyze how this fight might unfold.

Oliveira vs Chandler breakdown and prediction

In his upcoming Madison Square Garden battle for a title challenger position, Charles Oliveira enters as a fan favorite, while Michael Chandler dawns the underdog status. This fight brings back memories of their previous clash for the vacant lightweight title, where ‘Do Bronx’ sent ‘Iron’ into the shadow realm, making it a personal encounter for the Missouri native.

Now, he has a chance to settle the score with the Brazilian and silence critics who have mocked him for waiting on a fight with Conor McGregor—some even labeling him “Hachiko” for his patience. But unaffected, Michael Chandler has declared he’s “coming to steal the show,” as he recently shared with Bloody Elbow.

Although ‘Iron’s’ pursuit of a fight with the Dubliner at welterweight was canceled, his return to lightweight is significant, especially against a fast and dynamic opponent like the Brazilian prospect. In this matchup, ‘Do Bronx’ seems to have the upper hand, with his BJJ expertise and striking prowess potentially presenting the toughest challenge for Michael Chandler—especially considering ‘Iron’s’ 18-month absence from the Octagon, while Oliveira has stayed active in the sport.

Now all eyes are on the UFC 309 co-main event, where Charles Oliveira will have a chance to showcase his skills once again against former Bellator champion Michael Chandler and bounce back from his recent setback. So, who are you rooting for—Chandler or ‘Do Bronx’? Drop your opinion below!