In line with a beloved tradition, the UFC is once again closing out the year with an absolutely stacked PPV card. We’ve been treated this year to a whole host of exhilarating cards and UFC 269 promises to be no different.
Newly crowned lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira, defends his belt for the first time against Dustin Poirier. In the co-main slot, the Lioness, Amanda Nunes defends against, Julianna Peña.
Former bantamweight champ, Cody Garbrandt also makes his highly anticipated flyweight debut against New Zealander, Kai Kara France. Kicking off the main card, Sean O’Malley’s hype train rolls into the station once more as he looks to pick up his first win against a ranked opponent in Raulian Paiva.
Not to be overlooked this weekend are the prelims. Jiu-Jitsu ace and fan-favourite, Ryan Hall makes his return to the octagon. Elsewhere, another former bantamweight champ in Dominic Cruz faces Pedro Munhoz.
At featherweight, heavy-hitter, Josh Emmet returns from an 18-month layoff against Dan Ige. With so many intriguing bouts, it’s guaranteed to be one of most entertaining cards in recent memory.
Charles Oliveira v Dustin Poirier
After defeating Michael Chandler via TKO in May, Oliveira was keen to get his first title defence booked. Possessing some of the best Jiu Jitsu in the UFC, Oliveira has 19 submission wins over some of the best lightweight contenders in the world.
Few would have predicted that he would become champ after a difficult period between 2015 and 2017 in which he went 2-4. However, undefeated since then, his striking has slowly but surely caught up with his Jiu-Jitsu to form one of the most well-rounded fighters on the roster.
Defeating the likes of Kevin Lee, Tony Ferguson and Jim Miller on his way to a title shot, Oliveira proved he could hand with some of the best.
Fellow perennial contender Dustin Poirier is fresh off two consecutive wins over former double-champ, Conor McGregor.
Becoming interim champ in 2019 after a FOTY contender vs Max Holloway, Poirier failed to unify the title against Khabib at UFC 242 later that year. With the Russian now out of the picture, Poirier is presented another chance to capture gold. If successful, it sets up a thrilling rematch with Justin Gaethje whose already next in line for a shot at the title.
Charles Oliveira v Dustin Poirier Prediction
Oliveira will look to get the fight to the ground. While Dustin’s ground game is definitely underrated, don’t be surprised to see Charles lock up a submission attempt fast if he gets the fight where he wants it.
If Dustin can keep the fight on the feet, I can see him finishing Oliveira early with a barrage of strikes. We’ve seen this countless times from him and against a fighter known to wilt at times, we might see an early finish from the Louisiana native.
Dustin Poirier via 2nd round TKO
Amanda Nunes v Julianna Peña
Continuing her destructive reign of two divisions simultaneously, the Lioness now faces another bantamweight contender hoping to pull off one of the upsets of the year. With her last defeat coming in 2014 to Cat Zingano, Nunes has looked unstoppable.
Meanwhile, Peña has struggled to gather any real momentum. After a disappointing submission loss to striking ace, Germaine de Randamie last year, Peña earned her shot with a win over Sara McMann in January.
While some believe she’s undeserving of the title shot, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for the UFC to find any real contenders than Nunes hasn’t already removed from consciousness.
Amanda Nunes v Julianna Peña Prediction
Many believe Julianna has little to no chance here; and I’d have to agree with them. She’s significantly outmatched wherever the fight goes and without any experience in title bouts at this level, there’s a chance she’ll crumble under the pressure.
The only person who can cause Nunes problems is herself. Complacency has claimed many a fighter in her position and as we’ve seen many times, anything can happen. ANYTHING. Nunes should however win this one without too much trouble at all.
Amanda Nunes via dominant unanimous decision
The rest of the card
Aside from the two aforementioned title fights, the main card is full of potential barn-burners. Geoff Neall will attempt to snap a two-fight skid against Argentinian slugger, Santiago Ponzinibbio.
Currently caught up in some legal trouble, Neal will be hoping to put any distractions to one side. This is a very hard one to predict so I’ll leave it up the fighters on Saturday night.
Cody Garbrandt is back and this time, he’s weighing in ten pounds lighter. Hoping to utilise his speed and accuracy, he’ll be aiming for a more successful trip to flyweight than long-time rival, TJ Dillashaw.
I predict a dominant decision victory for the American but Kara France is no walkover.
Kicking off the main card, Sean O’Malley is finally getting himself a ranked opponent in Raulian Paiva. Currently on a three fight streak, Paiva has shown his heart and endurance and poses a real threat to O’Malley.
More concerned with building his brand, Sean is going to be looking for another flashy KO.
He’ll have to be careful not to be drawn in a fire-fight with Paiva. I predict a 2nd round TKO for O’Malley but Paiva poses maybe the sternest threat to O’Malley since his loss to Marlon Vera.
