Charles Oliveira’s ‘absolutely insane’ comeback to clinch UFC lightweight title

Brazil’s Charles Oliveira has clinched a stunning comeback victory over Michael Chandler to secure the vacant lightweight UFC title.

Charles Oliveira of Brazil punches Michael Chandler.

Brazilian phenom Charles Oliveira has won the vacant lightweight title with a stunning TKO victory over America’s Michael Chandler at UFC 262.

Oliveira secured the comeback win — his ninth consecutive UFC victory — in front of 16,000 screaming fans in Houston after Chandler dominated the main event’s first round.

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The 35-year-old Chandler took down his opponent in the opening term, and Oliveira was lucky to escape a guillotine submission soon after.

Chandler undeniably held bragging rights after the first round, with blood gushing down Oliveira’s face heading into the first break — two of the judges scored the first round 10-8 to the American.

But early in the second round, Oliveira knocked down Chandler with a powerful left hook, and followed up with a barrage of blows to the head.

The referee was forced to end the contest when Oliveira began peppering a helpless Chandler with repeated punches to the head.

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Sensational stuff from Charles Oliviera, beautiful left hook. He’s the champion, amazing story #UFC262pic.twitter.com/lQKnXlVb8q

— Niall McGrath (@niallmcgrath4) May 16, 2021

How awesome is this. Congrats to Charles Oliviera. What a fight, what a performance. What a champ!

— michael (@bisping) May 16, 2021

Wow gotta be happy for Olivera! What a career he has had. Been fighting on cards with him since @ringofcombat! Amazing to watch it

— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) May 16, 2021

It’s absolutely insane how quick things change in the @ufc@MikeChandlerMMA was cruising and :19 secs later @CharlesDoBronxs is the champion!!! What a fight! Congrats to the new king. 🇧🇷 You got another champion!!! #ufc262

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) May 16, 2021

Oliveira needed 28 fights over 10 years to win his first UFC title, which sets a new record in the competition.

He also holds the record for most UFC submission wins (14), and most finishes (17).

The 31-year-old Brazilian replaces retired Russian Khabib Nurmagomedov as the undisputed lightweight champion.

“I told you I was going to knock him out and I came and knocked him out,” Oliveira said in his postfight interview.

“I proved to everybody I’m the lion of lions.

“Michael said I couldn’t take pressure. then he hit, hit, hit, and I’m still here.

“Michael, you’re a great champion ... but today was my day.”

Chandler said after the defeat: “I think we saw one of the toughest dudes on the planet come back from real adversity.

“He’s the real deal.

“We’ll get this one back ... we’ll win this one back eventually.”

Charles Oliveira celebrates defeating Michael Chandler.