Michael Chandler vs. Charles Oliveira 2 booked as UFC 309 co-main event

In an interview with Barstool Sports on Friday, UFC CEO Dana White said that Conor McGregor will not be facing Michael Chandler in his eventual return bout.  White later corrected his statement.  McGregor and Chandler would still be matched up next year, but Chandler is taking a fight before then.  

Chandler (23-8) will meet former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira (34-10, 1 NC) in a rematch in the UFC 309 main event on Nov. 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. 

🚨BREAKING NEWS

Conor McGregor MAY fight Chandler next, but Chandler wanted a fight sooner.

so we get this BANGER instead

Michael Chandler vs Charles Oliveira
UFC 309 | New York City | November 16

via @SpinninBackfist / @RobbieBarstool pic.twitter.com/IB5s5rTFYy

— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) September 14, 2024

Oliveira and Chandler for the then-vacant lightweight championship at UFC 262 in May 2021.  Chandler hurt Oliveira early in the fight but was finished in the opening seconds of the second round.  Chandler will look ago avenge the previous loss.  

Oliveira will enter the fight coming off a split decision loss to Arman Tsarukyan in April.  Chandler last fought in November 2022, losing to Poirier via submission.  

Chandler was scheduled to face former two-division champion Conor McGregor in the UFC 303 main event on June 29 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, but was forced out of the bout due to a toe injury.  With McGregor not expected to return until next year, Chandler had waited long enough.       

UFC 309 is expected to be headlined by a heavyweight title fight between champion Jon Jones and former two-time titleholder Stipe Miocic.