Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira will fight for lightweight title at UFC 262

UFC new boy Michael Chandler will fight for the lightweight title in only his second fight in the promotion.

The three-time Bellator lightweight champion will face the in-form Charles Oliveira for the vacant 155lb strap at UFC 262 on May 15.

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Earlier this week, it was reported Chandler was on course to throw down with former interim 155lb king Justin Gaethje.

But the UFC have opted to book the 34-year-old - who was long regarded to be the best lightweight outside of the promotion - in a title fight.

The Missouri native reacted to the booking of the fight on Instagram, writing: "See you at the top! May 15th. #UFC262."

Fan favourite Chandler made his octagon debut in January in the co-main event of UFC 257 in Abu Dhabi, where he locked horns with the dangerous Dan Hooker.

The powerful Chandler made light work of the long and rangy Hooker, announcing himself to UFC fans across the world with a first-round knockout victory.

Chandler will have his hands full in his second UFC outing against the red-hot Oliveira.

Former featherweight Oliveira, 31 is on an impressive eight-fight win streak that stretches back to June 2018.

The Brazilian jiu-jitsu phenom has looked like a world-beater in his last two outings against Kevin Lee and Tony Ferguson.

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Do Bronx's win over former interim champion Ferguson - whose arm he nearly broke - cemented his status as a legitimate lightweight title contender.

Chandler and Oliveira's championship clash comes on the back of the 155lb throne becoming vacant.

The lightweight title became vacant early on Friday morning when former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov confirmed his retirement from MMA to UFC chief Dana White.

White posted on Instagram this morning: " 29-0 it is. He is 100 per cent officially retired.

"It was incredible to watch you work @khabib_nurmagomedov thank you for EVERYTHING and enjoy whatever is next my friend."

An hour later, Nurmagomedov wrote alongside a picture of himself and White: "It was a good dinner with some great people.

"@danawhite thank you so much brother and the entire @ufc team for the opportunity to prove myself, you guys have changed many live forever because of this sport.

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