The UFC is back with its last pay-per-view event this year. UFC 269 will take place inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on 11th December. It is going to be one of the biggest events of this year.
An intriguing lightweight title fight between Dustin ‘The Diamond’ Poirier vs Charles ‘Do Bronx’ Oliveira will headline the event. The American-born earned the number one spot on the lightweight roster with three straight wins.
It is Poirier’s second shot at the lightweight gold after the former interim champion lost against Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2019. Meanwhile, ‘Do Bronx’ became the 155lbs champion by defeating Michael Chandler at UFC 262.
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This is Oliveira’s first title defense. He is currently on an amazing nine-fight undefeated streak and will look to defend both his gold strap and the winning streak against Poirier.
WATCH THIS STORY: UFC 269: Charles Oliveira vs. Dustin Poirier: Date, Time, Venue, Tickets, and Live Stream
This lightweight title fight is already creating much hype among the UFC fans. Hence, ahead of the bout, we compare the careers of both the fighters. Also, inspect the matchup for a conclusion on how the scrap could possibly end.
Dustin Poirier vs Charles Oliveira – the Lightweight War
‘The Diamond’ is one of the prominent names in UFC. He has a professional MMA career of 28-6 under his name. Furthermore, the 32-year-old has finished fifteen of his opponents via knockout and six via submission.
On the other hand, champion ‘Do Bronx’ is undefeated since 2018. From his previous nine wins, five came via submission, three via knockout, and only one via a decision. He has a career record of 31-8, with nine knockouts and an amazing 19 submission wins.
Coming into the fight, Oliveira has a two-inch reach and one-inch height advantage over the challenger. Both the lightweight combatants possess good grappling skills. However, ‘The Diamond’ is more of an elite boxer.
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Meanwhile, ‘Do Bronx’ over the years has gradually improved his striking skills. He only needs one good strike to end the fight early, as seen against Michael Chandler. However, the American fighter will have immense pressure on Oliveira with his 5.62 striking rates per minute.
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Oliveira has an impressive ground game given his submission wins. Hence, he might have an upper hand if he takes the challenger to the mat. However, it will only be possible if he goes through Poirier’s heavy strikes.
It is a highly unpredictable fight, and anything can happen. However, given Poirier’s current form and his experience against top-tier fighters, he might outclass the Brazilian only if he is able to keep himself out of Oliveira’s red zone.
Final Prediction- Dustin Poirier defeats Charles Oliveira via third-round knockout.
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Who do you think will win at UFC 269? Let us know in the comments.