"Looks like he’s gonna use his wrestling" - Fans react to Michael Chandler and Kamaru Usman linking up before Oliveira fight at UFC 309

Michael Chandler will return to action for the first time since 2022 when he steps up to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 309. The pair will clash in a rematch of their UFC 262 battle for the lightweight title, with the winner of their upcoming fight rumored to receive the next title shot.

Recent footage of Chandler training with Kamaru Usman has left fans thinking he may have altered the gameplan he used against Oliveira in their first fight. With 'Iron' having a credentialed collegiate wrestling background, fans have suggested he will employ his grappling skillset, something not often done by him.

'The Nigerian Nightmare' has long been regarded as one of the best wrestlers in the UFC. Should the No.7 ranked lightweight contender be looking to use grappling against 'do Bronx', Usman will have helped his preparation immensely.

Footage of Chandler and Usman training together was taken from the UFC's countdown episode for UFC 309 and uploaded to X by @ChampRDS, who wrote:

"Michael Chandler working with Kamaru Usman ahead of his fight with Charles Oliveira"

Some noted that the Brazilian's submission skills could land 'Iron' in trouble on the ground. But other fans believed American's grappling is his best route to victory.

@mmadobronxs wrote:

"Chandler looks like he's gonna use his wrestling. Saying that, Charles by submission R1."

See the rest of the fan reactions below:

Screenshot of fan reactions to Michael Chandler training with Kamaru Usman

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Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler broken down by Dustin Poirier

Dustin Poirier has faced both Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler, and is more than equipped to break down their upcoming lightweight title eliminator.

'do Bronx' won the 155-pound belt against Chandler when they first fought, and successfully defended the title against Poirier at UFC 269 before losing the title on the scales against Justin Gaethje at UFC 274.

Ahead of UFC 309, 'The Diamond' broke down the co-main event on ESPN MMA, which was shared to X by @ChampsRDS. He said:

"I think it's a fun matchup. But I think if Charles Oliveira goes into this fight with the same mindset he had when I fought him or the first time Chandler fought him, I think he's gonna get the win. Obviously, Chandler is very explosive, an incredible athlete, and can hurt and put away Charles. But, I just think Charles is going to be better everywhere."

Catch Poirier break down Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler below:

Click here to watch the full ESPN MMA video.