UFC: Michael Chandler likes Charles Oliveira’s chances against ‘killer’ Justin Gaethje – ‘he just has too many tools’
- Chandler weighs in on UFC 274 lightweight title fight between his former opponents
- ‘I would not have given Oliveira a chance to beat Gaethje up until the last 12 months,’ he admits
Michael Chandler likes Charles Oliveira’s chances against Justin Gaethje.
Brazil’s Oliveira, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, is slated to defend his title against Gaethje, the division’s No 1 contender, at UFC 274 on May 7.
The 35-year-old American Chandler (22-7) is better positioned to predict the outcome of that upcoming title fight than just about anybody, having fought both men in 2021, first losing to Oliveira (32-8) by TKO, then giving up a decision to his fellow American Gaethje (23-3) in one of the year’s best fights.
“Justin Gaethje as we all know, he’s a killer,” Chandler told ESPN this week. “I think it’s going to give the edge to Charles Oliveira, to be honest with you. He just has too many tools.”
Chandler admitted he once shared the widespread opinion that Oliveira lacks heart, but after losing to the Brazilian, and watching Dustin Poirier experience a similar fate against the champion at UFC 269 in December, he’s changed his tune.
“I think a lot of people would agree with me when I say I would not have given Charles Oliveira a chance to beat Justin Gaethje up until about the last 12 months,” he said.
“Charles Oliveira has come back, effectively resurrected his career from the dead. He was spotty, up and down, could never be relied upon when it comes to performances,” he continued.
