When Charles Oliveira steps into the Octagon at UFC Rio, a familiar rival may quietly shape the outcome — Dustin Poirier.
Oliveira, the former lightweight champion, faces Mateusz Gamrot in Saturday’s main event after Rafael Fiziev withdrew. The Brazilian is chasing another title run, nearly four years after submitting Poirier at UFC 269.
Now retired, Poirier is indirectly back in the picture — this time helping his former training partner Gamrot prepare for Oliveira.
“Dustin gave me a lot of advice,” Gamrot revealed at media day. “I can’t say what he told me, but it’s big information. I think it’s going to be a game-changer.”
The Polish contender said Poirier’s first-hand experience exposed weaknesses in Oliveira’s ground game. “He’s super dangerous on the ground, but I see some holes,” Gamrot added.
While Poirier has moved on from fighting after his trilogy win over Max Holloway, Oliveira has dismissed any talk of retirement.
“The retirement talk is in your guys’ heads,” he said. “I’ve never even thought about it.”
Still hungry for another shot at lightweight gold, “Do Bronx” insists his journey is far from over — and even has his sights set on a dream fight with Conor McGregor at the White House event in 2026.
