The UFC lightweight round-robin continues when Charles Oliveira (30-8) and Michael Chandler (22-5) face off for the vacant title at UFC 262 on May 15. We have the betting odds and preview you need need ahead of this eagerly anticipated main event.

Oliveira is riding a big win streak

Oliveira comes into this bout on an eight-fight winning streak that includes devastating victories over Kevin Lee and Tony Ferguson. In those two fights, Oliveira came in as an unproven underdog.

During this streak, Oliveira has looked like a monster. The 31-year-old has a kill-or-be-killed mentality, and has scored an impressive 19 submission wins over the course of his career. As vicious in his striking as he is on the ground, Oliveira is the total package at lightweight.

Chandler is a big hitter

The former Bellator champion turned in a highlight reel stoppage of Dan Hooker in his UFC debut. That impressive performance catapulted him into a shot at the vacant title, and Chandler’s path to victory lies in his heavy hands.

Chandler is a swarmer that fires hard, short strikes that do considerable damage. He mixes his power with capable ground defense, no doubt stemming from his background as a wrestler.

Oliveira will dig deep for a submission win

This is as much of a toss-up as a high level fight can be. Both fighters won’t shy away from a brawl, but Oliveira has been stopped in seven of his eight career losses. At the same time, Oliveira boasts a notable advantage in height and reach. As long as Oliveira fights tall and long, he can avoid Chandler’s power.

Fighting long and tall should not mean fighting scared. These two are going to wage a war of wills early on, and will be at an even pace until the later rounds. However, if Chandler hits the ground at any point, there is the danger he’ll get tapped out. 

Either man can easily stop the other if the chips fall in their favor, but Oliveira’s physical advantages should be enough to protect his questionable chin. It will be a dicey fight, but expect Oliveira to win the vacant title with a late round submission.

MMA pick: Oliveira