UFC 262 predictions: Chandler equipped to get the better of Oliveira

Free tips, best bets and analysis for UFC 262 on Saturday night in Texas.

Where to watch

BT Sport, Saturday night 1am (main event 3am approx)

Best bet

Michael Chandler to beat Charles Oliveira
1pt 23-20 Betfred

Preview

Just under four months after emphatically entering the UFC with a TKO victory over Dan Hooker, Michael Chandler, in only his second fight with the company, gets a shot at the vacant lightweight title.

Iron built his reputation in Bellator, winning the lightweight world championship on three occasions, and now he's seeking gold at UFC 262.

Submission specialist Charles Oliveira stands in his way at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Oliveira has been climbing the rankings in the division since the summer of 2018, stringing together eight successive victories and momentum is on his side, but it's worth delving into his winning run when trying to pick a winner.

The 31-year-old faced only one top-ten ranked lightweight, beating Tony Ferguson, who fights on the undercard, via unanimous decision last time out at UFC 256.

This will be Oliveira's first crack at a world title and that lack of experience may count against him, especially when taking into account Chandler's hugely impressive CV.

The American was involved in 11 title bouts with Bellator, successfully defending his belt on three occasions, and won't be fazed by the occasion.

Chandler has developed into a formidable striker - landing 17 of 24 strikes on debut in the UFC to stop Hooker after just two minutes and 30 seconds - but he will need to lean on his defensive wrestling background to nullify Oliveira.

The Brazilian boasts the most submission wins in UFC history (14) and if he is to prevail then it could be worth backing him to finish it via that route at 11-5.

However, the feeling here is really for Chandler and he looks very tempting at 9-4 to triumph by TKO/KO, having won each of his last three fights in that fashion.

The co-main event sees Ferguson and Beneil Dariush meet in another intriguing lightweight contest.

Veteran Ferguson is hoping to snap a two-fight losing streak and there are signs that his powers could be on the wane.

Dariush's career, meanwhile, is in the ascendency after winning six in a row and victory over Ferguson will put him on the right path for a title shot in the next 12 months.

The 32-year-old is extremely well-rounded and can be taken on at 8-13 to extend his streak.

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