When: Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 10:00 pm E.T.

Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV.

How: ESPN +.

Spread: Poirier (+120).

Total: 1.5.

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

The UFC lightweight title is on the line Saturday night when champion Charles Oliveira defends his title for the first time against former interim champion Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC 269. 

Oliveira Spotlight

Oliveira took the hard road to the title working his way up the ladder setting UFC records for most submissions with 14 and most stopped fights with 17. Over the years Oliveira has rounded out his game adding standup to go with his absolute lethal submission game, but is at his best when making his opponents tap out. Consistency has been an issue throughout Oliveira's career but shouldn't be a problem tonight as Oliveira has rattled off nine-straight victories in the Octagon.

Poirier Spotlight

Poirier has been on a mission since moving up to 155 pounds. A former featherweight who always had a problem cutting weight, Poirier has run over the lightweight division since making the move. Poirier is a violent fighter who swarms opponents with vicious combinations. Poirier's only loss in the past five years came at the hands of Nurmagomedov, a legendary champion who retired from the sport in 2020 undefeated.

Final Say

Widely considered the top 155-pounder in the UFC, Poirier will make it official on Saturday night. Although Oliveira's standup has greatly improved and his submission game is deadly, Poirier is a beast on his feet.  Oliveira will not be able to resist the urge to trade bombs with Poirier and that will be his downfall. Poirier is the more powerful, accurate striker and will get the better of exchanges and hurt Oliveira.  With Oliveira reeling, Poirier will swarm the champ and overwhelm him with a flurry of fists and feet until the referee mercifully steps in to stop the fight.

Pick: Poirier by TKO (+120)