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How Dustin Poirier could affect the result of Charles Oliveira’s UFC Rio main event

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated Oct 10, 2025 4:43 PM ET

If Charles Oliveira fails to have his hand raised Saturday night, ‘The Diamond’ may well play a part.

Local interest in the UFC Rio lineup will peak when one of the sport’s leading stars makes the walk for the main event. After Rafael Fiziev pulled out, former UFC lightweight champion Oliveira will fight Mateusz Gamrot in a late-notice headliner for the Polish standout.

‘Do Bronx’ remains on a mission to regain the gold at 155 pounds. He has not left a fight with the title in his possession since UFC 269 in December 2021, which concluded with Oliveira submitting Poirier in round three.

Now, four years later, ‘The Diamond’ is looking to somewhat avenge that result by helping a teammate get one over the Brazilian fan favorite.

BACK FOR ANOTHER MAIN EVENT @CharlesDoBronxs weighs in at 156 lbs!

[ #UFCRio | TOMORROW 7pmET on the @ESPN app ] pic.twitter.com/cyRL0yxHju
— UFC (@ufc) October 10, 2025

Mateusz Gamrot says Dustin Poirier has provided ‘game-changing’ intel on Charles Oliveira

Gamrot was one of Poirier’s main training partners during the back end of his career. Since the now-retired former interim champ has shared the cage with Oliveira, his insight into the Brazilian’s game could provide ‘Gamer’ with an edge.

The No. 8-ranked lightweight suggested as much during media day on Wednesday, even hinting that Poirier has given him some ‘game-changing’ information about Oliveira.

“I am not afraid (about) anything of what Charles wants to bring to the Octagon,” Gamrot said.

“He’s super dangerous on the ground but I see some holes (in) his game. I see this, and I go there and the fight’s gonna be over.

“(Poirier) gave me a lot of advice,” Gamrot continued. “He told me how I need to fight with Charles.

“But I can’t say right now what he (told) me. But this is big information (for) me. I think this is gonna be a game-changer during this fight.”

Charles Oliveira won’t be joining Dustin Poirier in retirement

Poirier retired at UFC 318 after finishing his trilogy with Max Holloway in Louisiana. When Oliveira competes on home soil this Saturday, he won’t be making a similar farewell.

Despite some responding to Oliveira’s knockout loss to Ilia Topuria with retirement suggestions, ‘Do Bronx’ has firmly rejected any talk of him hanging up the gloves.

“The retirement talk is in your guys’ head,” Oliveira said in a fight week interview with MMA Junkie.

“I’ve never said anything about retiring. … Every interview I give, people talk ‘retirement, retirement.’ At no point have I ever thought or contemplated about that, but all the questions are the same.

“I’m not thinking about it,” he added.

In addition to not giving up hope of earning another lightweight title shot, Oliveira is targeting Conor McGregor at the White House in 2026.

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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