Justin Gaethje Doubtful of Dustin Poirier’s Future

Overtime Heroics Editorial

564 days ago

Following Justin Gaethje’s victory in a fight of the year contender with Michael Chandler at UFC 268, he has made one thing clear. It’s title fight or bust next. It’s hard to argue with Gaethje considering the resume he has stacked up and the fact that the last fight he lost was to the now-retired Khabib Nurmagomedov in their title unification bout last October.

Now, before Gaethje can hop right into the next title fight, Charles Oliveira, the current undisputed lightweight champion, is set to square off with number one contender Dustin Poirier at UFC 269 next month. The winner of this fight is more than likely aware of who they will welcome to the cage for their following/first title defense. However, Gaethje seems to have a different opinion regarding Poirier, should he come away victorious at UFC 269.

In an interview with Damon Martin of MMA Fighting, Justin Gaethje gave his thoughts on the upcoming title fight and what could play out in the aftermath. When speaking about Poirier, Gaethje said, “If he beats Charles Oliveira, I don"t know if he fights me. I think he just walks away, calls it good. So I kind of hope Charles Oliveira wins, so I get to fight him March, April, May. If Dustin Poirier wins, I"m going to have to entice him to f*cking get in there again."

For those that don"t know, Gaethje and Poirier have already shared the cage once back in April of 2018. “The Diamond" would come out on top in this one after finishing Gaethje in the fourth round via TKO. This bout would receive fight of the night honours, leaving both men battered and bruised following the barn-burner of a matchup.

More than three and a half years removed from the first matchup, Gaethje is confident a second fight with Poirier would be nowhere near the same. "I think a rematch would be a completely different instance in time. I think the previous fight would have zero factors on what would occur on that night. I think it would be a fresh experience, and I think it would be again, a battle for the ages." Gaethje said in regards to a potential rematch.

So, what do you think Dustin Poirier decides to do if he wins the lightweight title next month? He has hinted in the past that the last thing to check off his list is an undisputed championship, so maybe a title defense is not in the cards.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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