Oliveira, Chandler make weight for UFC title fight


The bout to crown the next UFC lightweight champion is official.

Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler both made weight successfully Friday morning, coming in exactly at the 155-pound limit. The two men will compete for the vacant lightweight title Saturday night in the main event of UFC 262 at Toyota Center.

Former longtime champion Khabib Nurmagomedov retired earlier this year, relinquishing the title. Either Chandler or Oliveira will be the first UFC lightweight champ who isn’t Nurmagomedov since Conor McGregor was stripped of the title in 2018 due to inactivity.

EDITOR’S PICKS

How a tearful night and KO loss led Michael Chandler to a UFC title shot

Best bets for UFC 262: Dariush vs. Ferguson

UFC 262: Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler — How to watch and stream, plus expert analysis and predictions
ESPN has Oliveira ranked No. 3 in the world at lightweight and Chandler at No. 4.

Oliveira (30-8, 1 NC) has won eight straight fights and is one of the most talented submission artists ever in UFC. The Brazil native has the most submission wins in UFC history (14) and the most performance bonuses in promotion history (10). He is tied for the most finishes in UFC history with Donald Cerrone (16). Oliveira, 31, has been in UFC since 2010, and this is his first title shot.

Chandler (22-5) has won three fights in a row, including a first-round TKO win over Dan Hooker in his UFC debut at UFC 257 in January. The Missouri native is a former three-time Bellator lightweight champion. Chandler, 35, has the most finishes in Bellator history (13) and was long one of the faces of that promotion before signing with UFC in November.

Both lightweight co-main event competitors also made weight Friday, with Tony Ferguson and Beneil Dariush hitting the mark at 156 pounds. Dariush initially weighed in at 156.5 and took the allocated extra hour to cut the remaining half-pound.

The popular Ferguson (25-5) is trying to snap a two-fight losing skid, which followed a historic 12-fight winning streak. Dariush (20-4-1) has won six straight fights and is looking to break into the top tier of the division.

Rogerio Bontorin missed weight by 1 pound, coming in at 137 pounds for his bantamweight bout with Matt Schnell, and will forfeit 20% of his purse. The nontitle fight limit for bantamweight is 136 pounds.

Got a story or tip for us? Email Sports Gossip editors at tips@sportsgossip.com 

Want More From Sports Gossip? 

For all the latest breaking Sports Gossip, be sure to follow SportsGossip.com on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter.

You can view the original article HERE.



One Day, Though, They’ll Work It Out.
Goodbye to a TV Pioneer: Norman Lear (1922-2023) | Tributes
Brothers Struggle through Poverty & Homelessness
Blade Star Mahershala Ali Now ‘Really Encouraged’ by the Direction of the MCU Reboot
The Killers say they’re “open” to a residency at Las Vegas Sphere
Madonna invites Stella McCartney on stage on final night of UK ‘Celebration’ tour
Listen to Bright Eyes’ cover of John Prine’s ‘Christmas In Prison’
Cillian Murphy is “open” to a spin-off ‘Peaky Blinders’ movie
Saturn Awards Nominees Unveiled, Highlighting Best Sci-Fi and Horror of 2023
Magnum P.I. Season 5 Episode 17 Review: Consciousness of Guilt
It Prequel Series Welcome to Derry Teases First Look in HBO Sizzle Reel
Lewis Howes Guests On The Simonetta Lein Show On SLTV
Cowboys’ McCarthy to have appendix surgery, anticipates coaching vs. Eagles
How to Avoid Common Betting Pitfalls Using Free Sports Betting Tips
Jaguars’ Lawrence suffers high ankle sprain in OT loss to Bengals
Report: Jets leaning toward starting Wilson again, but he’s reluctant
Hunter Biden Hit With 9 Criminal Charges In Federal Tax Case
Emily Blunt Told Robert Downey Jr. That Christopher Nolan Gives Subtle Praise
Sauce Walka Arrested After Leading Cops on 130 MPH High-Speed Chase
Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes’s exes are reportedly dating. A look back at the drama.
Halara Magic Denim Review 2023 With Photos
Daniel Arsham Returns To Art Week at Ross+Kramer Gallery
The Best Holiday Shoes You Can Buy on Amazon
Angelina Jolie Covers WSJ. Mag, Gabriette Fronts New Campaign