A New Lightweight King Rises

Charles Oliveira has defeated Michael Chandler via TKO to win the vacant Lightweight Championship at UFC 262.

Chandler experienced early success on the feet, flooring ‘do Bronx’ towards the end of the first round. Fighting through the adversity, Oliveira seemed unfazed by the early onslaughts as he emerged from his corner for the second round. In the opening exchange, Oliveira managed to clip ‘Iron Mike’ with a left hook, finishing the fight just 19 seconds into Round 2.

Now laying claim to the most finishes in UFC history (17), Oliveira also secured a record-breaking 11th POTN bonus for his outing. After 11 years with the organisation, the Brazilian’s win streak extends to 9, with just one of those opponents able to survive to hear the final bell.

Chandler was all-class in defeat, stating:

“Hat’s off to Charles for surviving the first round, surviving the barrage. I felt like everything was clicking in there.I zigged when I should’ve zagged, and got caught. I will be UFC Champion by the time my UFC career is over.”

There is no shortage of challengers for the newly crowned king. With Poirier and McGregor slated for the 10th of July, it would appear that the winner of the trilogy will be next in line.

In the co-main event, we saw Beneil Dariush grind a decision win against former Interrim Lightweight Champion Tony Ferguson. Kaitlyn Chookagian and Rogerio Bontorin both had their hand raised on the main card also. The FOTN bonus was awarded to Barboza vs Burgos as the pair went back and forth until Barboza closed the show in the 3rd. Andre Muniz achieved the impossible as he submitted veteran Jacare Souza in the first round. Who would’ve thought, eh?

In the absence of former pound-for-pound king Khabib Nurmagomedov, the division has finally got an active champion in Charles Oliviera, who is unquestionably one of the most dangerous fighters on the planet. Who will be next for Oliveira? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section!