Oliveira praises Poirier, angles for title fight

Charles Oliveira versus Dustin Poirier for the undisputed UFC lightweight title, anyone?

The UFC lightweight title picture may look slightly different now following the events of UFC 257, but No. 3 ranked contender Charles Oliveira is trying to make sure he is still being included in it. Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler earned stoppage victories over their respective opponents in Conor McGregor and Dan Hooker, which immediately triggered post-fight matchmaking that pit both men against each other.

Poirier seemed disinterested in a fight with Chandler right now, but was open to meeting someone like Oliveira. During his post-fight press conference, Poirier showered praises upon Oliveira for the impressive run he has had in the UFC in the last decade that led him to contender status.

“I think he has more of a [chance of fighting me],” said Poirier. “I’ve been watching that guy for 10 years in the UFC [in] two different weight classes. He’s fought the best of the best, over and over again. And he’s been knocked down and got up, time and time again. He’s proven himself and he’s proven what mixed martial arts and perseverance and what believing in yourself is. I respect that.”

Oliveira, who has since reciprocated the praise he received from Poirier, took to Twitter to propose a fight for what could be the vacant lightweight title in a series of tweets.

“I hope to see you soon, [Dustin Poirier],” wrote Oliveira in one tweet. “Once again congrats for last night’s performance. Hard work pays off, and you delivered. Let’s do it.

“Let’s clash for this crown. Winner takes all, and becomes the king of the lightweight division.”

Oliveira is currently on an eight-fight winning streak that spans across two years. He has earned submissions over the likes of Clay Guida, Jim Miller and Kevin Lee in that time. Oliveira most recently defeated former interim UFC lightweight champion, Tony Ferguson in the co-main event of UFC 256.