The UFC lightweight division is home to some of the most formidable fighters in the world. Recently, two of these fighters faced off against each other at UFC 309. Following the fight, Michael Chandler spoke about the pain he is currently experiencing as a result of his bout with former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira.
The rematch between Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 met everyone’s expectations. Following the fight, huge roars of appreciation erupted at Madison Square Garden for both fighters after their intense clash. While the audience experienced a thrilling battle, it was a different story for the fighters. Recently, Chandler opened up about the aftermath of that hard-fought five-round battle with Oliveira.
(My) body (is in) the most pain I’ve ever been in my entire life. The most injuries I’ve ever had in a fight, for sure. Peed blood, inflammation all over, my whole body is swollen…
Michael Chandler via Bussin’ With The Boys
Throughout the years, ’Iron’ Chandler has faced several formidable opponents, including Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje. Although he didn’t win those matchups, Chandler managed to avoid significant damage or pain. However, in his recent fight against Oliveira, ‘Iron’ encountered a particularly tough challenge. He stated that the Brazilian fighter handed him the most painful defeat of his career to date.
😲💪Michael Chandler reveals his fight with Charles Oliveira left him in the worst pain of his career, even admitting he peed blood during the post-fight drug test:
“Body the most pain I’ve ever been in my entire life, the most injuries I’ve ever had in a fight for sure.
Peed… pic.twitter.com/PfvcroeLnL
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) November 20, 2024
In their match at UFC 309, the American fighter landed 84 strikes, while the Brazilian fighter landed 88. However, Oliveira distinguished himself with his powerful takedowns and effective ground game, which Chandler didn’t defend well. After their fight, the Brazilian fighter made an intriguing confession similar to the one made by the Iron.
Charles Oliveira reveals fighting with a knee injury against Michael Chandler at UFC 309
Charles Oliveira is a veteran in the UFC, having made his promotional debut in 2010. Over the years, he has performed exceptionally well and gained significant recognition in the sport. Oliveira truly received the acknowledgment he deserved after nearly a decade of facing tough opponents. The crowning moment came when he defeated Michael Chandler in 2021 to become the UFC lightweight champion.
Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira in action at UFC 309 (Image via UFC)Despite successfully defending his title once, Oliveira was ultimately dethroned by Islam Makhachev in 2022. However, at the age of 35, the Brazilian fighter remains determined to reclaim the UFC gold. In fact, he was unfazed by his knee injury leading up to his fight against Chandler last weekend.
I had a knee injury. I tore or burst two ligaments. I was supposed to be out of action for four to six weeks. But I didn’t want to pull out of this fight at all because I knew that if I won I could fight for the title again.
Charles Oliveira via UFC 309 Post Fight press conference
💪Charles Oliveira reveals he had a knee injury going into his fight with Michael Chandler at #UFC309:
“I didn’t want to talk about it before but yes I did have a knee injury. I spent a lot of time actually without training”
🎥@ufc 🔹 pic.twitter.com/bh4eX19XSP
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) November 17, 2024
The Brazilian fighter revealed that an injury sidelined him for nearly 15 to 20 days. During that period, there were rumors that he might withdraw from the fight. However, he decided to compete against Chandler despite the injury and secured a convincing victory. With this win, Oliveira once again demonstrated his skill and solidified his position as a title contender.
