Charles Oliveira, the reigning UFC Lightweight champion is set to have his first title defence against no 1 ranked in the division Dustin Poirier, and the bout is being targeted for December this year.
After spending a decade in the promotion, Oliveira finally had his first title shot at UFC 262 on 15th May against Michael Chandler for the Lightweight title which was vacated by Khabib Nurmagomedov.
While many considered Chandler, the former three-time Bellator Lightweight Champion for Khabib’s successor as the next name on the UFC Lightweight throne, the glory went to “Do Bronx” who clinched a 2nd round TKO victory at the Toyota Center.
Now, the Brazilian is ready to have his first title defence inside the Octagon, and as everyone expected, “The Diamond” will be is the contender with the fight targeted for December.
Poirier has been enjoying a remarkable 2021, with back to back victories over Conor McGregor. As the MMA fandom anticipated that the winner of their trilogy fight at UFC 264 would be serving as the top favourite to challenge Oliveira’s title, Poirier is now slated to fill that role.
Its going to be a war: Oliveira expects to submit Poirier in December
The year is likely to end with a treat for mixed martial arts fans with seeing two of the best Lightweights in the world inside the cage, but as Charles Oliveira sees it, he is the dominant force against Dustin Poirier.
“I believe the firepower in my hands, but I think in a fight against Dustin, I believe I can submit him. Working with my hands, with my strikes, I would definitely cause a lot of damage and then submit him,” Oliveira said in an interview with MMA Fighting.
While promising the fans that it will be a ‘war’ against Poirier, Oliveira did shed his praise and respect for the no 1 ranked lightweight.
“It’s going to be a war, a great fight. He deserves all the respect in the world, he has heavy hands and good jiu-jitsu, too, so I think it’s going to be a great fight, but I believe in my victory,” the 31-year-old added.
Who is your favourite between Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier? Let us know in the comments.
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