Charles Oliveira overcame illegal strikes and a knee injury to defeat Michael Chandler via decision in UFC 309, marking his first five-round fight and earning his 20th post-fight bonus, while expressing dissatisfaction with the referee’s leniency during the match.
Charles Oliveira went five rounds for the first time in his 46-fight MMA career last Saturday. He defeated Michael Chandler in the co-main event of UFC 309 in New York. It wasn’t easy, though. Oliveira had to push through some tough final minutes and several illegal strikes to secure a decision victory.
At the post-fight press conference, Oliveira didn’t mince words about his feelings. Although he wasn’t in the mood to criticize Chandler—whom he’s beaten twice now—he was clearly unhappy with the fouls during the match. And Keith Peterson’s refereeing? Not impressive, in Oliveira’s eyes.
“I don’t like to criticize,” Oliveira admitted. “But if you guys saw it, what else am I going to say?” His frustration was palpable. “I was hit too many times behind the head. He grabbed the cage a lot, I was poked in the eye too many times,” he continued. For Oliveira, professionalism is key, and he felt it was lacking that night.
Despite these hurdles, Oliveira emerged victorious, bouncing back from a close defeat to Arman Tsarukyan earlier this week. Now, he’s eyeing the No. 1 contender spot against the winner of Islam Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan. That title match is expected in early 2025, and you bet “do Bronx” wants a front-row seat.
Oliveira also revealed a knee injury during camp that sidelined him for a bit. But thanks to his team’s support, he navigated those rough patches and stayed in fighting form. Interestingly, this win marked only his fifth UFC decision out of 34 octagon appearances—and it came with his record 20th post-fight bonus.
Yet, Oliveira hoped for more than just a decision win; he wanted a definitive stoppage like their first encounter in 2021. “I don’t want to go to the end,” he said candidly. “I come here looking for [the finish] and come hunting at all times.” However, when facing tough opponents like Chandler, sometimes patience is key.
In reflecting on his growth as a fighter, Oliveira noted how he’s evolved in MMA strategy over time. “In the past, I would have rushed for the submission or exploded to get a better position,” he mused. But now? Winning is what matters most.