Chandler sees Charles do Bronx's advantage in a confrontation against Gaethje: 'he has a lot of tools'

J. Gaethje will be C. do Bronx's next challenger (Photo: Montage/SUPER FIGHTS)

After a great soap opera, Ultimate decided that Justin Gaetjhe will be Charles do Bronx's next challenger for the lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg), at UFC 274, in May, at a location yet to be defined. Defeated by both parties involved in the dispute in 2021, Michael chandler believes that the Brazilian will defend the title successfully for the second time.

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The former Bellator champion, who was knocked out by Charles of the Bronx in May last year and surpassed by Justin gaethje in a three-round war in November, he stated that, if the fight took place more than a year ago, he would bet on the challenger, but praised the champion's “resumption” of his career.

“I wouldn’t see any chance of Charles Oliveira defeating Justin gaethje up to 12 months ago. Charles Oliveira came back from the dead and resurrected his career. It was irregular, had ups and downs and wasn’t very reliable in terms of performance,” said Chandler during his appearance on the “DC & RC” podcast.

In Chandler's opinion, however, the evolution of Charles of the Bronx in stand-up fighting and the fact that he won and defended the belt in 2021 gives the Brazilian the type of confidence necessary to be even more feared.

“The way he became a deadly striker in addition to being one of the greatest submission artists the sport has ever seen, knocking me out and submitting me Dustin poirier. That kind of thing brings extra confidence every time he steps into the Octagon. I think we will see Charles Oliveira the most confident of all after winning and defending the belt in 2021”, said Chandler.

Lastly, Michael chandler reinforced the dangers presented by Justin gaethje, but gave favoritism to Charles of the Bronx.

“We all know that Justin gaethje is a killer. I think it will be a very exciting fight. Still, I give the advantage to Charles Oliveira. He has many tools and we know how Justin gaethje can win. But Charles proved many of us wrong in believing he could not be part of these wars. He's a lot tougher and a lot more resilient than we thought he was. I'm excited. Maybe I'll be on the card with them. Let’s see”, concluded the North American.