The UFC has finally moved on from Khabib’s lightweight throne, as they ready to have the next lightweight champion. It will be headlined by Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler who are both coming off a super impressive win for UFC 262.
Acknowledging Khabib's retirement, Dana White tells @bokamotoESPN that Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler will fight for the vacant lightweight championship at UFC 262 on May 15 🏆 pic.twitter.com/tHCZz2TQqj
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 19, 2021
It is unfortunate that Dustin Poirier who is the clear number 1 lightweight, won’t be in the title picture. He is in pursuit of the McGregor trilogy, and who can blame him. Fighting McGregor gains him more money than fighting for the title.
Even Oliveira and Chandler want to fight Poirier because they believe that Poirier is the best active lightweight right now. It is also worth noting that it was Poirier who wanted to step back and watch Oliveira fight Chandler for the vacant title. Poirier believes he is the “uncrowned champ” and a McGregor fight is a golden ticket to most of the fighters.
Dustin Poirier gives green light with Chandler vs Oliveira for the vacant title
It is still a massive fight where the stylistically is an interesting matchup. Michael Chandler who has great boxing and high level boxing taking on a well rounded Charles Oliveira who has creative striking and high level BJJ. Oliveira’s guillotine choke is one of the most deadly weapons and could pose a threat to wrestlers.
Michael Chandler is a former Bellator Champion that made a massive debut against a durable Dan Hooker. What was impressive was he finished Hooker in just one round with a left hook. Dana White said “you could not ask for a better debut”. Chandler also wanted to fight under a McGregor card to showcase just what kind of fighter he is.
