Justin Gaethje responded to two-time UFC rival Dustin Poirier’s recent comeback teases after the interim champ’s UFC 324 win.
Justin Gaethje reclaimed the UFC interim lightweight title earlier this month at UFC 324 as he handed Paddy Pimblett his first defeat in the Octagon. Gaethje put on a throwback performance against Pimblett to earn the interim belt and a likely clash with lineal lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.
Gaethje likely only has a handful of fights left before he hangs up the gloves. His longtime coach, Trevor Wittman, recently admitted that his pupil’s current title push is the final chapter of his career.
After Gaethje’s victory at UFC 324, his former rival, Dustin Poirier, teased a potential comeback fight for a trilogy with the newly-crowned interim champ. Poirier retired after a loss to Max Holloway at UFC 318 last summer.
A little over a week following Poirier’s intriguing proposition, Gaethje has answered.
Justin Gaethje answers Dustin Poirier’s latest comeback teases after UFC 324
In a recent interview with Bloody Elbow, Gaethje responded to Poirier’s recent social media comments.
“Dustin’s a warrior, and I’ll always respect him,” Gaethje answered.
“If he really wants to come back and the UFC wants that fight, I’d do it. But I’m focused on moving forward, not backward. I’ve got goals I’m chasing, and that’s where my attention is.”
Since announcing his retirement at UFC 318, Poirier has stuck around Mixed Martial Arts as a television analyst for the promotion. He’s previously admitted that potential fights with Nate Diaz and Gaethje would likely pull him back into fighting.
As of this writing, it’s uncertain when Topuria will return to the Octagon amidst his indefinite hiatus. He could potentially move up to welterweight to challenge for Islam Makhachev’s title.
In the meantime, Gaethje has a potential fight on his hands in Poirier if the legendary combatant follows through on his comeback teases. But Gaethje is laser-focused on winning an undisputed title before hanging up the gloves.
What is your prediction for Justin Gaethje vs. Ilia Topuria? Let us know in the comments!
