UFC 262 betting tips: Lightweight crown up for grabs

The American made a splash on his UFC debut – on the undercard of Poirier-McGregor II – in January when he flattened highly-rated New Zealander Dan Hooker midway through the first round.

It was a third successive TKO or KO victory for Chandler, who has a record of 22 wins and five defeats in MMA.

Chandler, who at 35 is four years older than Oliveira, seems to have the power advantage in the headline bout this weekend and the Missouri fighter is supremely confident he will make full use of it this weekend.

“He’s going to get his clock cleaned,” Chandler said in an interview with MMA Fighting.

“He’s going to wake up to the bright lights of me standing on top the cage about to get my hand raised and UFC gold around my waist. That’s how it’s going to go. I predict it’s going to be in the first round.

“Then I predict a phenomenal end to 2021 and then we’re going to carry this baby on for a couple of years.”

While Oliveira’s striking game should not be overlooked, if he is able to take the fight to the ground then he will be most likely in the ascendancy. Having taken the long road to a title shot, he is determined not to waste it.

“I’m proud of myself. I came from nothing and look where I am now,” he told MMA Fighting.

“I was too young when I got (to the UFC) and there was so much pressure over me. I’ve had my highs and lows. I’ve fought injured. I’ve missed weight. I’ve taken fights when I clearly shouldn’t. But I’ve learned from it.”

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