Oliveira Vs Poirier Planned For December

Newly-crowned lightweight champion Charles Oliveira is expecting to make his first UFC title defense against top contender and former interim straphanger Dustin Poirier at the promotion’s upcoming pay-per-view (PPV) event in December.

Not surprisingly, “Do Bronx” is also expecting to win by submission.

“I believe in the firepower in my hands, but I think in a fight against Dustin, I believe I can submit him,” Oliveira told MMA Fighting. “Working with my hands, with my strikes, I would definitely cause a lot of damage and then submit him.”

Poirier gambled on his championship future by first passing on Oliveira in favor of his trilogy against Conor McGregor. The bet paid off, as “The Diamond” recently captured a second straight victory over “Notorious” to keep his spot in the 155-pound line.

“It’s going to be a great fight, if this one really happens,” Oliveira continued. “It’s going to be a great show, and I’m ready on the feet and on the ground. I’m well both mentally, physically and spiritually. I’m happy. Let’s go. We’ll be defending what’s ours in December.”

I guess that Nate Diaz showcase will be put on ice for the time being.