Michael Chandler vs. Charles Oliveira for Vacant UFC Lightweight Title Slated for UFC 262

As previously reported, UFC President Dana White confirmed that Khabib Nurmagomedov is now officially retired from MMA and won’t be returning for another fight. Additionally, this now vacates the UFC lightweight title, and the UFC is already looking to set up the next title matchup for the vacant belt. White confirmed to ESPN that the promotion is planning for top lightweight contenders Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira to fight for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 262 in May.

UFC is still in the process of finalizing the lightweight title fight between the two competitors. Michael Chandler is a former three-time Bellator MMA lightweight champion. He recently made a successful UFC debut earlier in January when he knocked out Dan Hooker in the first round at UFC 257.

Meanwhile, Charles Oliveira is on an eight-fight winning streak at lightweight and 9-1 in his last 10 fights inside the Octagon. Eight of his last nine wins were also finishes. His current UFC record stands at 18-8 with 1 No Contest.

Per reports, No. 1 ranked lightweight contender Dustin Poirier will likely be fighting Conor McGregor in a rematch and rubber fight later this year. ESPN’s Ariel Helwani reports that the fight is currently being targeted for July 10.

UFC 262 is scheduled for May 15. It will be broadcast live on pay-per-view via ESPN+.