Newly-crowned UFC lightweight kingpin Charles Oliveira is scheduled to make his first-ever title defense against former interim champion Dustin Poirier, a five-round showdown expected to land at the upcoming UFC 269 pay-per-view (PPV) event on Dec. 11, though a city and venue have yet to be determined.
That’s according to MMA Fighting.
Oliveira (31-8, 1 NC) is the winner of nine straight, including his technical knockout victory over former Bellator MMA champion Michael Chandler at UFC 262 back in May. “Do Bronx” has a staggering 28 finishes in 31 victories, making him one of the most dangerous lightweights on the entire roster.
No. 2-ranked Justin Gaethje, however, remains unimpressed.
Poirier (28-6, 1 NC) was already in line for a lightweight title shot but opted to put his championship dreams on hold to collect another mega-payday against UFC cash cow Conor McGregor. The gamble paid off and “The Diamond” is now the winner of three straight, capturing eight of his last nine with five finishes.
UFC 269 is also expected to feature the women’s bantamweight title fight between Amanda Nunes and Julianna Pena. Elsewhere on the card, Cody Garbrandt makes his flyweight debut opposite Kai Kara France, while Maycee Barber and Montana De La Rosa hook ‘em up at 125 pounds.