MMA Preview – Charles Oliveira vs Dustin Poirier at UFC 269
CHARLES OLIVEIRA VS DUSTIN POIRIER FACTS
When is UFC 269? Sunday 12th December, 2021 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 269? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 269? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 268
What channel is UFC 269 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC 269? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
CHARLES OLIVEIRA VS DUSTIN POIRIER LOWDOWN
The new lightweight king, Charles Oliveira (31-8(1)) heads to the T-Mobile Arena to defend his title for the first time. It took him 28 UFC fights to earn a title shot which is great to see. The jiu-jitsu wizard has evolved into a seamless fighter with clean and crisp boxing technique which was on full display in his title fight with Michael Chandler. He got rocked early but proved the doubters wrong by showing a ton of heart and rallying back with beautiful technique showing the composure of a champion in adversity. That win made it nine wins on the bounce and that knockout added another record - the most finishes in UFC history (17) to go along with his most submissions and ‘performance of the night’ bonuses in UFC history.
The man with arguably the most impressive record right now, Dustin Poirier (28-6(1)) makes his second attempt for the coveted lightweight gold. After finishing Anthony Pettis (2017), Justin Gaethje (2018), Eddie Alvarez (2018) and breaking Max Holloway’s (2019) 13-fight win streak with a unanimous decision, he earnt his first shot at Khabib Nurmagomedov (2019). He inevitably got submitted but quickly resumed picking off the elite including Dan Hooker (2020) and Conor McGregor twice this year.
CHARLES OLIVEIRA VS DUSTIN POIRIER PREDICTION
With 54 UFC fights between them, we have witnessed these two evolve into two of the most well-rounded and elite fighters on the roster and it is perfect that they finally meet for the title.
We know how well-rounded they are but Oliveira no doubt has the advantage on the ground and Poirier on the feet. That said, Oliveira will have the confidence to stand and trade with Poirier. He has the technique and accuracy to cause to some damage, but he has to bring out something special as Poirier is battle-hardened in striking wars with the best lightweights in the world. He has also only ever lost two decisions in his career with his last dating back to 2013 (Cub Swanson).
We feel the Brazilian has to get the finish which is convenient considering he holds the UFC record and the most likely way that will happen is to rock Poirier, create a scramble and pounce on a guillotine or rear naked choke.
Poirier has the wrestling to defend the takedown attempts, so Oliveira needs to hurt him or catch him off guard to get the fight to the mat. Poirier has great jiu-jitsu, but Oliveira is a genius when it comes to transitioning positions to set up a submission.
However, we feel Poirer has too much nous to make a mistake and the durability to endure five rounds. So, we expect the majority of this fight to be a stand-up battle where Poirier’s power and unrivalled experience make him the heavy favourite for us.
If the fight gets scrappy or Poirier underestimates Oliveira’s striking, the Brazilian has a chance, but we expect Poirier’s weight and wrestling advantage to prevent him landing on his back and offload a steady stream of heavy leg kicks and combinations to break Oliveira down to set up a late vintage ‘Diamond’ finish. If the fight lasts five rounds and Oliveira is exhausted, a Poirier submission is not out the question.
Prediction: Poirier via KO/TKO - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Poirier via Submission
