Should Charles Oliveira fail to secure a victory this Saturday night, “The Diamond” may well play a significant role in the outcome.
Local enthusiasm for the UFC Rio card will reach its peak during the main event, as one of the sport`s premier stars steps into the octagon. Following Rafael Fiziev`s withdrawal, former UFC lightweight champion Oliveira is set to face Mateusz Gamrot, who accepted the fight on short notice.
“Do Bronx” remains determined to reclaim the 155-pound championship belt. He hasn`t held the title since December 2021, when at UFC 269, Oliveira submitted Poirier in the third round.
Now, four years later, “The Diamond” is seeking a form of vindication for that past result by assisting his teammate in overcoming the Brazilian fan favorite.
Mateusz Gamrot Claims Dustin Poirier Provided “Game-Changing” Intel on Charles Oliveira
Gamrot served as one of Poirier`s primary training partners during the latter part of his career. Given that the now-retired former interim champion has previously shared the cage with Oliveira, his insights into the Brazilian`s style could offer “Gamer” a crucial advantage.
The 8th-ranked lightweight hinted at this during media day on Wednesday, even suggesting that Poirier had shared some “pivotal” information regarding Oliveira.
I`m not afraid of anything Charles wants to bring to the Octagon. He`s super dangerous on the ground, but I see some gaps in his game. I see this, and I`ll go in there, and the fight will be over.
“Poirier gave me a lot of advice,” Gamrot continued. “He told me how I need to fight Charles.”
But I can`t reveal what he told me right now. However, this is very important information for me. I believe it will be a game-changer during this fight.
Charles Oliveira Is Not Following Dustin Poirier into Retirement
Poirier concluded his career at UFC 318 after completing his trilogy with Max Holloway in Louisiana. When Oliveira competes on home soil this Saturday, he will not be bidding farewell to his fans.
Despite some suggestions for Oliveira to retire following his knockout loss to Ilia Topuria, “Do Bronx” has resolutely dismissed any talk of hanging up his gloves.
The retirement talk is in your heads. I`ve never said anything about retiring… In every interview I give, people mention `retirement, retirement.` At no point have I ever thought or contemplated that, yet all the questions are the same.
“I`m not thinking about it,” he added.
Beyond his hopes of securing another lightweight title shot, Oliveira is also setting his sights on a potential clash with Conor McGregor at the White House in 2026.
