Speculating on what might have happened if Michael Chandler had finished Charles Oliveira in the first round of their UFC 262 title fight presents an intriguing hypothetical scenario that could have significantly altered the surface of the UFC lightweight division.
Had Chandler secured a first-round victory over Oliveira and claimed the UFC lightweight title, it would undoubtedly have boosted his confidence and altered his approach to subsequent fights. With the championship belt around his waist, Chandler would have likely defended his title against top contenders like Dustin Poirier or Justin Gaethje.
Against Poirier or Gaethje, Chandler’s strategy might have shifted towards utilizing his wrestling more effectively to neutralize their striking abilities and power. Chandler’s formidable wrestling skills could have provided a path to victory via late TKO stoppages on the ground or potentially through a strategic decision victory.
Furthermore, Chandler would have eventually faced off against Islam Makhachev, the current UFC lightweight champion. This matchup, likely taking place in Abu Dhabi in October 2022, would have been a clash of wrestling styles between Chandler’s American wrestling and Makhachev’s Dagestani Sambo. Chandler’s confidence as a champion might have given him an edge in this high-stakes showdown.
However, Chandler’s tendency to engage in firefights and his susceptibility to getting drawn into striking exchanges could have posed challenges against durable opponents like Makhachev or Alexander Volkanovski, a former UFC featherweight champion. Volkanovski’s similar fighting style to Chandler’s could have presented a stylistic challenge that might have led to Chandler’s undoing.
In the present context, Chandler’s upcoming bout against Conor McGregor at UFC 303 in a welterweight matchup adds another dimension to his career trajectory. This fight against McGregor, a global MMA superstar, represents a significant opportunity for Chandler to showcase his skills on a big stage and potentially rise his status within the sport.
While hypothetical scenarios can be intriguing, the reality of MMA is filled with unpredictability. Each fight presents unique challenges and outcomes, and Chandler’s journey in the UFC continues to be shaped by his performances, opportunities, and the ever-evolving surface of the lightweight division.
