UFC 269 was full of drama. This event featured a lot of drama, from the comeback stories of Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira, to Julianna Penna’s upset against Amanda Nunes, longtime UFC women’s bantamweight champion, UFC 269 had it all. The crowd cheering Poirier at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena was drowned out by Oliveira’s indomitable spirit. Pena won the victory that few could believe, stifling fan-favorite Nunes.
The UFC hosted its last pay-per view event in 2021. It was a memorable one. Let’s take a look at the most important stories from UFC 269. There was so much to absorb from Saturday’s PPV.
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Charles Oliveira might be the complete package
Oliveira is like Poirier, but they are just two sides to the same coin. There are many stories of high-profile prospects failing, being doubted and then refusing to give up, eventually rising to the top. The story ends in a twist for one (more later).
It felt like “Do Bronx” would be unable to fly for seven years. It was first Jim Miller and Donald Cerrone. Next, it was Cub Swanson then Frankie Edgar. Max Holloway and Anthony Pettis followed by Ricardo Lamas, Paul Felder, Ricardo Lamas, Max Pettis and Ricardo Lamas. Oliveira almost suffered the same fate as Michael Chandler and Poirier, but he is now just as dangerous (literally and metaphorically) as he was before.
Oliveira survived a difficult first round against Poirier. He was immediately dropped and received a lot of hard punches. The UFC lightweight champion, regardless of the damage he sustained, immediately responded with elbows or knees. Oliveira occupied the top spot on the ground in Round 2 and held it for the majority of the frame. Oliveira began Round 3 with a very smooth standing back take. The efforts of Poirier to defend the rear-naked choke were admirable. Oliveira was unable to defend the rear-naked choke. Each adjustment made, the choke got deeper and deeper. Oliveira’s first title defense will be remembered at UFC 269 in Round 3. Oliveira was much like Chandler in that he fought against rising tides until the current turned in his favor.
It could have been for ‘The Diamond’.
The coin’s opposite side. Poirier’s tale might be one of “what-if.” After winning two of the three Conor McGregor fights, Saturday’s sentimental favourite entered UFC 269 as an important star. After his bitter loss to McGregor in 2014, Poirier was ready to win the UFC lightweight title. Poirier was supported by the Las Vegas crowd. Even if you voted Oliveira to win the race, it was impossible not to feel good about Poirier’s victory.
Poirier cut Oliveira off early and delivered big punches throughout the first round. It seemed like MMA would finally make its comeback. Oliveira declined to buy a ticket, a disappointment for Poirier’s supporters. It is hard to deny Poirier’s legacy as an all-time great lightweight. Poirier holds an interim UFC lightweight title, and has won over McGregor (twice), Max Holloway, Eddie Alvarez (twice), Anthony Pettis and Dan Hooker, among others. The window for UFC gold is closing in on “The Diamond”, but it’s still possible to get UFC gold.
