Michael Chandler likes Charles Oliveira’s chances against Justin Gaethje. Brazil’s Oliveira, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, is slated to defend his title against Gaethje, the division’s No 1 contender, at UFC 274 on May 7. The 35-year-old American Chandler (22-7) is better positioned to predict the outcome of that upcoming title fight than just about anybody, having fought both men in 2021, first losing to Oliveira (32-8) by TKO, then giving up a decision to his fellow American Gaethje (23-3) in one of the year’s best fights. “Justin Gaethje as we all know, he’s a killer,” Chandler told ESPN this week. “I think it’s going to give the edge to Charles Oliveira, to be honest with you. He just has too many tools.” Chandler admitted he once shared the widespread opinion that Oliveira lacks heart, but after losing to the Brazilian, and watching Dustin Poirier experience a similar fate against the champion at UFC 269 in December, he’s changed his tune. “I think a lot of people would agree with me when I say I would not have given Charles Oliveira a chance to beat Justin Gaethje up until about the last 12 months,” he said. “Charles Oliveira has come back, effectively resurrected his career from the dead. He was spotty, up and down, could never be relied upon when it comes to performances,” he continued. “The way he has turned into a deadly striker as well as one of the greatest submission artists the sport has ever seen, as well as going out there and finishing myself and Dustin Poirier … that kind of stuff comes with a little bit of added, extra confidence. “He’s going to be the most confident Charles Oliveira we have ever seen after the year of 2021.” No 5-ranked Chandler doesn’t have a fight booked, but is expected to meet skidding former interim champion Tony Ferguson soon. He isn’t sure where a win over Ferguson puts him in the weight class, but suspects he has not seen the last of Oliveira or Gaethje. “Do I think I automatically make myself the No 1 contender by beating Tony Ferguson or winning my next fight? I don’t think so under normal circumstances, but these are not normal circumstances. I think everybody wants to see a rematch of myself and Charles Oliveira. They definitely want to see chapter two of the Fight of the Year with myself and Justin Gaethje.” UFC: Bisping wants Adesanya vs Usman – ‘they’re both Nigerian, so what?’ “I’ve kind of put myself in a unique position where I could be one win away,” he added. “If I have to fight two, three more fights to get back to the title, that’s what I’m going to do. “Either way, everyone’s on notice now: when I step into the UFC Octagon and I strap on those gloves and I bite down on that mouth piece, you’re going to be on the edge of your seat, you’re going to buy the pay-per-view, and we’re going to have a blast.”