Michael Chandler has given up on a potential fight with Conor McGregor for now. He has stated that his ultimate goal remains a title run and will face former champion Charles Oliveira later this year. He is still open to a McGregor fight down the road if the opportunity arises. Brazilian lightweight, Renato Moicano recently shared his thoughts on this matchup.
Renato Moicano recently did another episode of the Show Me The Money podcast. Host Matty Betss asked Moicano for his thoughts on the Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler matchup. Especially after Chandler waited so long to clash heads with Conor McGregor.
Man he is a funny dude right… I don’t think UFC is trying to reward him a fight— Michael Chandler. I think that it is a fight that makes sense.
Renato Moicano on Show Me The Money podcast
Moicano argued that Charles Oliveira could defeat Michael Chandler and vice versa. That makes it a compelling matchup rather than simply a gift from the UFC to ‘Iron’. The two are now set for a rematch this November at UFC 309. Chandler had been waiting for nearly two years for the McGregor fight. However, due to delays and uncertainty surrounding McGregor’s return, Chandler decided to shift focus and get back into the octagon.
Chandler and Oliveira first fought in 2021 for the vacant lightweight title. Oliveira won via second-round knockout after almost getting finished in the first round. This rematch offers Chandler a chance to position himself as a top contender for the lightweight belt. Especially with Oliveira also looking to regain UFC gold.
Michael Chandler cannot afford to lose against Charles Oliveira
Michael Chandler faces immense pressure in his rematch against Charles Oliveira. A loss could severely impact his standing in the UFC lightweight division. Chandler has already lost three of his last four fights in the UFC. That includes a submission defeat to Dustin Poirier and a previous knockout loss to Oliveira in 2021.
Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira at UFC 262 (Image via X)With his UFC record standing at 2 wins and 3 losses, another defeat could diminish his chances of being considered a top contender for the lightweight title. Renato Moicano commented on this. Fellow co-host Gilbert Burns asked Moicano who he thinks is going to win— Charles Oliveira or Michael Chandler.
I think Michael Chandler cannot afford to lose. I think he is going to win because he cannot lose. Now if Michael Chandler loses, he’s done.
Renato Moicano continued
A loss now would mean Michael Chandler has little momentum to capitalize on either a McGregor fight or a future title shot. On the other hand, a victory over Oliveira could immediately position Chandler as a top contender for a bout against the current champion, Islam Makhachev.
