Charles Oliveira is as excited for his upcoming title defense against Dustin Poirier as the rest of us. Oliveira, the freshly crowned champion of the 155 pound division, believes that although Poirier is a tough opponent, ultimately the Brazilian’s superior grappling will win out, and Oliveira will win via submission.
Oliveira told MMAFighting.com: “I believe the firepower in my hands, but I think in a fight against Dustin, I believe I can submit him.”
Oliveira on Poirier bout: “it’s going to be a war”
This firepower is a relatively new addition to Oliveira’s arsenal. He was better known as a grappling specialist for most of his decade-long MMA career, until he sent a message that echoed throughout the lightweight division. When Charles Oliviera knocked Michael Chandler out in the second round of their championship fight, it was clear that he had added devastating striking to his abilities.
Poirier, on the other hand, will almost certainly be the first to challenge Oliveira for his title. Two consecutive knockout victories over the former champion Conor McGregor sealed the deal for Poirier, who has displayed consistent improvement since he lost to McGregor at featherweight seven years ago.
Oliveira continued: “Working with my hands, with my strikes, I would definitely cause a lot of damage and then submit him.
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.”
Oliviera and Poirier are arguably the two best lightweights on the planet, assuming Khabib keeps his promise to his mother and stays out of the octagon. Oliveira’s ascent to the title came following the retirement of Khabib Nurmagomedov, the unassailable Russian lightweight champ.
With Khabib vacating the title, the lightweight division experienced a power vacuum, with the division’s top talent vying for the throne.
Stylistically, both Oliveira and Poirier present a challenge to one another. Poirier’s heavily Muay Thai-influenced style saw him comprehensively outbox Conor McGregor, once considered among the finest strikers in MMA. This, coupled with a ferocious ground-and-pound game, could be troublesome for Charles Oliveira.
However, Oliveira is a particularly dangerous opponent. He offers a broad array of submission and knockout finishes, stopping all but one of his last nine fights either with a choke or a devastating flurry of punches. Either man could end the fight at any time.
Do you think Oliveira has it right, and he’ll submit Dustin Poirier? Does Dustin “The Diamond” have the ability to take out the champ? Let us know in the comments.
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