CHARLES OLIVEIRA VS DUSTIN POIRIER: FIGHT PREVIEW
The ‘Diamond’ awaits his second opportunity for undisputed gold against record-breaking champion Charles ‘De bronx’ Oliveira in what promises to be a lightweight fight for the ages, under the lights at the infamous T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Dustin ‘The Diamond’ Poirier.
Dustin (28–6), a fan favourite for many MMA fans and the wider combat sports community, looks to cement his legacy and claim what is rightly his at UFC 269. Taking on all comers throughout his stellar career, the American is not one to back down from a fight. To expand, his resumé includes the likes of Eddie Alvarez, Anthony Pettis, Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor. Amazingly, five of them six are former undisputed champions, with Justin having held the Interim strap.
Furthermore, the sheer skill this man has at his disposal is second to none. Priding himself on his stand-up ability, Poirier always displays a cool, calm and collected demeanour upstairs with fluid, precise and powerful strikes. However, the man who proudly represents American Top Team holds a black belt in Brazilian Ju-Jitsu and can be equally successful on the ground. Additionally, Dustin can manage his range or have an absolute tear-up if needed! Be that as it may, across the cage is nothing short of a warrior and Dustin must perform at his absolute best to become Champion.
‘El Diamante’ has provided fans with heart-pounding scraps for years now and in every single match-up Dustin proves he adopts the ‘Do or die’ mentality. Despite his four UFC defeats, the Louisiana native always understands the assignment and never backs down unless truly outmatched. This mindset could be crucial, in a fight which already carries incredible mental challenges.
A true professional in and out of the cage, the former interim champion puts his heart in to all aspects of life and shows the epitome of dedication and respect, given his incredible charity work with ‘The Good Fight Foundation’ and other philanthropic ventures. Win, lose or draw, all associated with the fight game can show gratitude to the inaugural ‘Forest Griffin Community Award’ winner for his endeavours for the less fortunate.
Charles ‘De Bronx’ Oliveira
The Champion (31–8), fighting out of São Paulo, Brazil is aiming to continue his fantastic form and retain the championship this weekend. Holding the record for the most wins by way of submission in the UFC together with having a third degree black belt in Brazilian Ju-Jitsu, Oliveira will not hesitate to taking this fight to the ground and reigns supreme over Dustin in this area.
Additionally, ‘De Bronx’ has the most finishes in the UFC and whilst most of them come from his exemplary ground-game, he displays an admirable nine wins by knockout. This indicates that the Brazilian can equally cause damage with his devastating amalgamation of formidable Muay Thai and kickboxing.
Charles comes in to this fight brimming with confidence following a nine-fight win streak, having remained undefeated since 2017. His record contains names such as Micheal Chandler, Tony Ferguson, Kevin Lee, Ricardo Lamas, Anthony Pettis, Max Holloway, Donal Cerrone and Cub Swanson. Subsequently, these names plus the others on his resume have provided him with invaluable experience for what hopes to be his first defence of the undisputed title.
In addition, the Champion holds a two-inch reach advantage over the American which could be crucial when exchanging blows. Oliveira can use his long, stiff jab to manage the distance and fire powerful leg and thigh kicks, which can really deteriorate an opponent over five, five minute rounds.
The Brazilian proved he can handle an oncoming pressure fighter and trump them with his controlled composure, after his victories over Jared Gordon and Micheal Chandler. Dustin may well acquire this strategy, but again, Oliveira has all the qualifying experience to quash this threat.
Prediction
Personally, this is one of the hardest predictions for me to make. This fight is agonisingly close in terms of ability and experience, both holding heavily influential qualities and having over ten years UFC experience and even more than that in other organizations. In line with traditional fight takes, my head tells me Charles and my heart supports Dustin.
I have to go with my heart on this one and having been a fan for many years, I predict ‘The Diamond’ to finally claim undisputed gold.
Ultimately, whatever happens in this fight my upmost respect still remains with both competitors.
