Dan Hardy Believes ‘Better All Around Mixed Martial Artist’ Charles Oliveira Has A Good Chance To Win Against Dustin Poirier

Dan HardyDan Hardy believes that Charles Oliveira is the better all around fighter and leans toward Oliveira retaining his title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 269. Oliveira has his first title defense against Poirier, who many believe may in fact be the best fighter in the division. In fact, so many believe that Poirier will come […]

Dan Hardy

Dan Hardy believes that Charles Oliveira is the better all around fighter and leans toward Oliveira retaining his title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 269.

Oliveira has his first title defense against Poirier, who many believe may in fact be the best fighter in the division. In fact, so many believe that Poirier will come out of the fight victorious and the new champ. While many are discounting Oliveira’s skill, Hardy on the other hand is finding it hard to bet against the very well rounded Oliveira.

During his nine fight win streak inside the lightweight division, Oliveira has done a great job of mixing things up. He has won five fights by submission and 3 fights via TKO/KO. He is one of the most well rounded fighters in the entire promotion. He obviously has some impeccable timing to go with his power, as he was able to finish Michael Chandler. Justin Gaethje landed a ton of bombs and was unable to finish Chandler.

Dan Hardy was on ‘Submission Radio’ when he sounded off on the fight between Oliveira and Poirier

“When my breakdown show went up, there were a few comments about people saying ‘finally someone that’s not underestimating Charles Oliveira…“I just think skills-wise, Oliveira is a better martial artist all around,” Hardy said. “Whether Dustin Poirier can apply it better because he’s been swimming in this top pool for a bit longer, I don’t know. But I’ve seen no reason to believe that Charles Oliveira won’t be champion by the end of the fight. It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s able to back Poirier up against the fence and beat him up a little bit, and then catch his neck on the way in. Something like the Kevin Lee fight.” (Transcribed by MMA Junkie)

Hardy also isn’t counting ‘The Diamond’ out of the fight either. He did acknowledge that he is battle tested and one of the best in the division. Hardy just believes it will be a difficult task for anyone in the division to take the belt from ‘Do Bronx’ because of how well rounded her truly is.

Do you agree with Dan Hardy? Does Charles Oliveira retain his title at UFC 269?

UFC 269: Previewing Poirier-Oliveira and the Rest of the Card

Anyone doubt that 2021 will go out with a bang? The UFC will produce its 13th and final numbered pay-per-view show of the calendar year on Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in …

Anyone doubt that 2021 will go out with a bang? The UFC will produce its 13th and final numbered pay-per-view show of the calendar year on Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in …

Poirier Believes Oliveira Deserves More Respect: “Man, Raise The Guy Up”

Dustin Poirier believes fans and fighters need to put some respect on lightweight champ Charles Oliveira’s name.

On December 11, Poirier will make his second attempt to win the lightweight belt when he faces Oliveira at UFC 269. Since his first tit…

Poirier Oliveira

Dustin Poirier believes fans and fighters need to put some respect on lightweight champ Charles Oliveira’s name.

On December 11, Poirier will make his second attempt to win the lightweight belt when he faces Oliveira at UFC 269. Since his first title bout loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2019, the 32-year-old has won three in a row, including a victory over Dan Hooker and back-to-back wins against Conor McGregor.

Oliveria will be looking to make his first title defence since defeating Chandler to claim the vacant belt in May. However some argue that victory, Oliveria’s ninth in a row, came only as a result of Poirier turning down the original offer to fight for the vacant belt. Instead of UFC gold, the “Diamond” chose to pursue a second big money fight with McGregor.

Many now believe the onus is on Oliveria to prove his legitimacy as champ by defeating Poirier, who some consider the unofficial title holder. And as if that’s not enough, questions regarding the Brazilian’s mental strength have been consistently raised, most most notably by Justin Gaethje who recently branded Oliveira a “quitter,”  and on that basis, favors Poirier to claim the title. Chandler has similarly slapped the quitter title on “Do Bronx.”

Charles Oliveira, Michael Chandler

Poirier Defends Oliveira From Claims That He Isn’t A Worthy Champion

Oliveria may be lacking respect from some of his lightweight peers, but not from the man who will attempt to dethrone him next month. Speaking to The MMA Hour, Poirier defended the honor of Oliveria as champion, saying that in knocking out Chandler, he accomplished something his chief critic, Gaethje, couldn’t.

“Dude, the thing about fighting is: Every time the bell rings, we get a live, real-time appraisal,” said Poirier. “We change from fight to fight. Things happen. We’re in different mental spaces. We’re in different physical positions and in shape or injuries. There’s a lot of things that go on behind the scenes, but the beautiful thing is every time that bell rings, it’s an appraisal in front of the world. And if we’re going off his last appraisal, the guy got hurt and showed grit, came back, won a fight, knocked a former world champion out, something Gaethje didn’t do just recently.”

Dustin Poirier
Image Credit: Brandon Magnus/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

The “Diamond” believes Oliveira deserves far more respect from fans and fighters, and that he’s under no illusions that come December 11, the Brazilian won’t put up a good fight.

“He did get pressed. He got hurt. He almost got finished. The bell rang, he came back, and won a world championship,” said Poirier. “I’m not here to put anybody down or talk bad about people. Man, people love to try to shit on people. Man, raise the guy up. He’s the world champion. It’s a tough task, and I’m doing everything I can to put myself in position to compete the best on December 11 for 25 minutes and be the world champion, a goal I set out from a very young age. And that’s just it, dude. I don’t really play into all this that much.”

If Oliveira’s critics only remembered the adversity he overcome early in his UFC career, and consider his current phenomenal win-streak, Poirier believes they would truly see how worthy a champion he is.

“It’s one thing to get into this organization and make it to the top, but it’s another thing to do it for a decade like he’s done. That shows that this guy’s a fighter,” said Poirier.

What do you think? Does Charles Oliveria deserve more respect as champ?

Continue Reading Poirier Believes Oliveira Deserves More Respect: “Man, Raise The Guy Up” at MMA News.

Oliveira Ready To Show Who “The Real Champ” Is At UFC 269

Charles Oliveira says he’ll prove who the “real” lightweight king is this weekend to those who continue to brand his upcoming opponent Dustin Poirier as the ‘uncrowned champion’.

Despite an incredible journey to the top, Oliveira is seemingly being…

Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier

Charles Oliveira says he’ll prove who the “real” lightweight king is this weekend to those who continue to brand his upcoming opponent Dustin Poirier as the ‘uncrowned champion’.

Despite an incredible journey to the top, Oliveira is seemingly being undervalued and delegitimized as champion by many, including top contender Justin Gaethje. The Brazilian believes they’ll regret underrating him come December 11 when he makes his first title defense.

“Do Bronx” had UFC gold wrapped around his waist for the first time at UFC 262 in May. After Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement, Oliveira challenged for the vacant belt against former three-time Bellator titleholder Michael Chandler. Having looked close to being finished in the opening round, Oliveira overcame adversity to secure a second-round finish inside Houston’s Toyota Center.

The heart-warming championship crowning came in Oliveira’s 28th Octagon outing. Not many fighters have personified the idea that hard work pays off quite like the Sao Paulo native. He’ll look to continue his story by fending off the challenge of Poirier in this weekend’s main event.

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Oliveira: “The Belt Has An Owner”

Leaving Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena with the title will certainly be no easy task for Oliveira. Poirier is widely regarded as the best lightweight in the world, and will enter the blockbuster year-ending pay-per-view off the back of two victories over former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor.

With that in mind, many in the combat sports community perceive “The Diamond” to be a heavy favorite for this Saturday’s headliner. Given his decision to pass up on a shot to challenge for the vacant title in favor of a money trilogy fight with McGregor, the narrative that Poirier is the uncrowned lightweight titleholder has been thrown around a lot.

But for Oliveira, that couldn’t be further from the truth. During a recent interview with TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter, “Do Bronx” promised to show he belongs on the 155-pound throne at UFC 269.

“People love Dustin. Like you said, he’s seen as the uncrowned champion. But I’ll show on Saturday who the real champion is; that the belt has an owner, and his name is Charles Oliveira. I’m happy with this fight, I’m ready, and I’ll show that on Saturday.” (Via a translator)

Having been treated to a barnburner between former title challenger Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler at UFC 268 last month, this weekend’s event will mark another pay-per-view featuring a crucial clash in the lightweight division. It stands to reason the victor will be defending the gold against “The Highlight” in the second quarter of 2022.

Who do you think will have their hand raised at UFC 269, Charles Oliveira or Dustin Poirier?

Continue Reading Oliveira Ready To Show Who “The Real Champ” Is At UFC 269 at MMA News.

Dustin Poirier Hopes To Test Gaethje’s Oliveira Theory At UFC 269

UFC lightweight contender Dustin Poirier is looking to test Justin Gaethje’s theory on champion Charles Oliveira’s resolve when he meets the Brazilian at UFC 269.

Oliveira had UFC gold wrapped around his waist for the first time at UFC 262 in May t…

Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier

UFC lightweight contender Dustin Poirier is looking to test Justin Gaethje’s theory on champion Charles Oliveira’s resolve when he meets the Brazilian at UFC 269.

Oliveira had UFC gold wrapped around his waist for the first time at UFC 262 in May this year. After the great Khabib Nurmagomedov vacated the title, “Do Bronx” faced relative promotional newcomer Michael Chandler for the belt in a memorable main event clash.

Despite looking moments away from defeat in the opening round, Oliveira survived and mounted a remarkable second-frame comeback, emerging victorious via TKO. The result saw Oliveira reach the UFC mountaintop after 26 fights in the promotion. His championship crowning was added to a host of accolades, including the records for most submission wins, most finishes, and highest finishes-per-win percentage in UFC history.

After the post-crowning euphoria, Oliveira’s focus will now be on his upcoming first defense. In the main event of UFC 269 on December 11, he’ll face #1 contender Poirier. “The Diamond” is coming off two victories over megastar Conor McGregor and has now turned his attention back to the title.

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Poirier Aims To Drag Oliveira To Deep Waters

Following his victory over Chandler, one of Oliveira’s lightweight peers wasn’t impressed. Former interim champ Justin Gaethje claimed that even in defeat, “Iron” showed that Oliveira is a “quitter.” That’s despite the fact the Brazilian overcame early adversity to finish Chandler. According to “The Highlight,” Poirier will make the champ quit this Saturday.

Despite not necessarily agreeing with his fellow former interim titleholder, Dustin Poirier does intend on testing his theory when he enters the cage with “Do Bronx.” In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, the Louisianan revealed his intention to test Oliveira’s perseverance by dragging him to deep waters.

“I would love for the fight to reach that point to where we’ll find out (if Oliveira can dig deep) in front of the world. That’s a goal of mine; to get this fight into deep waters and see who really wants it more, who is willing to bleed more, and leave it all out there. Because I know I will. No question about it.

Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier
Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, Credit: Getty Images

“But going to what Justin said, dude, I’ve said this. I’m saying the same shit over and over again every interview. It feels corny but when a fighter goes out there, our last fight is the most important. He (Oliveira) got hurt, came back second round and showed his championship grit and finished Michael Chandler; a guy that just took Justin to hell. So, if that says anything, you’re as good as your last fight. He’s a world champion.”

Perhaps Gaethje will have his own chance to test Oliveira’s toughness if the reigning champ successfully defends his gold against Poirier. After his victory over Chandler at UFC 268, it stands to reason “The Highlight” will challenge the UFC 269 victor in the first half of 2022.

What do you make of Charles Oliveira’s resolve and toughness?

Continue Reading Dustin Poirier Hopes To Test Gaethje’s Oliveira Theory At UFC 269 at MMA News.

The Countdown To UFC 269: Oliveira vs. Poirier Officially Begins

The Countdown to UFC 269: Oliveira vs. Poirier has officially begun.

For the last time in 2021, it’s fight week, fight fans! This year’s lineup of pay-per-view fights culminates with the lightweight title bout many believe should have happened back…

UFC 269

The Countdown to UFC 269: Oliveira vs. Poirier has officially begun.

For the last time in 2021, it’s fight week, fight fans! This year’s lineup of pay-per-view fights culminates with the lightweight title bout many believe should have happened back in May to crown the new champion. That fight will now take place Saturday when reigning lightweight champion Charles Oliveira takes on Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier in the UFC 269 main event.

And in the co-main event, the consensus GOAT of women’s mixed martial arts, Amanda Nunes, defends her bantamweight title against Julianna Peña.

The UFC’s countdown video sets the stage for both title fights.

UFC 269: Oliveira vs. Poirier: Countdown

“If this thing gets gritty, if this thing gets bloody, and exhausting, drag ‘em out type of fight–that’s where I’m gonna shine.” – Dustin Poirier

Dustin Poirier
Dustin Poirier (Image Credit: Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Dustin Poirier has closed out his rivalry with Conor McGregor, at least for the time being, and all that’s left to do now is realize his dream of being the undisputed UFC champion. Dustin Poirier embodies the grind, and in the Countdown video, we are reminded of the dues that have been fully paid to arrive at this opportunity.

“No matter who is on the other side, they will fold and fall.” – Charles Oliveira

Charles Oliveira
Credit: Jason Da Silva-USA TODAY Sports

Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira has proven year after year that he is the definition of “kill or be killed.” In the Countdown video, the UFC chronicles the finishing ability of Oliveira, including the TKO that crowned him as the UFC’s lightweight champion and an immortalized Brazilian hero.

“I’m the one fight that she doesn’t want because she knows that it’s gonna be a long night.” – Julianna Peña

Julianna Peña
Photo via Instagram @venezuelanvixen

By now, the MMA world should be well aware of how badly Julianna Peña has wanted this fight. In case you forgot, the Countdown video reminds you of that. It also reminds viewers of something that may be lost in all the trash talk: the fact that Peña is a hardened OG of the bantamweight division who can become the first woman to go from Ultimate Fighter to Undisputed Champion.

“I just need one mistake from her. From that moment, I’m gonna capitalize and finish the fight.” – Amanda Nunes

Amanda Nunes
Image Credit: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Amanda Nunes has made one thing clear since her rise to the top of women’s MMA: place anybody in front of her, and the outcome will remain the same. That, of course, would be Nunes having her hand raised. In the Countdown video, Nunes also shares a specific weakness she sees in Peña’s game. Meanwhile, the champ says she is continuing to evolve and get better every single day.

UFC 269 takes place this Saturday, December 11, 2021, from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main card for the event also includes appearances by former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt and rising star “Sugar” Sean O’Malley. The entire card is absolutely stacked from top to bottom. You can view the full UFC 269 lineup as well as all the viewing information here.

And without further ado, you can check out the full episode of UFC Countdown: Oliveira vs. Poirier below.

Continue Reading The Countdown To UFC 269: Oliveira vs. Poirier Officially Begins at MMA News.