Michael Chandler’s latest appearance in the Octagon turned out to be one of the most punishing of his career.
Chandler ran it back with his former foe Charles Oliveira in the co-main event of UFC 309 last Saturday, only to fall short in a brutal five-round battle. “Do Bronx” surged out of the gates, dominating the first four rounds with his striking and then smothering Chandler on the ground.
It seemed like Oliveira was on cruise control toward victory but “Iron” found a second wind in the final round, landing heavy shots that stunned the Brazilian. However, Chandler’s late rally wasn’t enough.
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During a recent appearance on Bussin’ With The Boys, “Iron” revealed that his rematch with Oliveira left him with the most severe damage he’s ever experienced in a fight.
The injuries sustained were the worst of his career, bringing with them intense pain, swelling, and a host of other physical setbacks.
My body, the most pain I’ve ever been in my entire life,” Chandler said. “The most injuries I’ve had in a fight, for sure. Peed blood, inflammation all over, my whole body is swollen… The first [blood in my urine] was very light, which was in my drug test… It had a light tint, and the second one was beet-looking juice. It was dark.
“Iron” and Oliveira first collided at UFC 262 in May 2021, where the vacant 155-pound title was on the line. On that night, “Do Bronx” proved to be too much for Chandler and secured a stunning second-round knockout to claim the belt.
At UFC 309, Chandler made his long-awaited return to the Octagon after a two-year hiatus, during which he patiently waited for a high-profile matchup against Conor McGregor.
The former Bellator champion was initially booked to face “The Notorious” at UFC 303 in June, but the fight was ultimately called off after McGregor suffered an injury less than a month before the scheduled bout.
