Justin Gaethje Explains Why He Doesn’t Want a Dustin Poirier Trilogy
In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), few matchups are as captivating and intense as the rivalry between Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier. Both fighters have delivered epic performances inside the octagon, making their past encounter at UFC 249 one of the most exciting bouts in recent memory. However, despite their thrilling first fight and Gaethje’s win over Poirier in 2018, the idea of a trilogy between the two seems to be off the table, at least for now.
Justin Gaethje, the “Highlight,” is known for his relentless aggression, spectacular knockout power, and exciting fight style that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. However, when it comes to a potential third matchup with Poirier, Gaethje has some clear reservations. In a recent interview, Gaethje shared his perspective on why he doesn’t want a trilogy fight with Poirier, despite the obvious appeal of such a high-profile contest.
The Desire for New Challenges
One of the primary reasons Gaethje doesn’t have his eyes set on a trilogy with Dustin Poirier is his desire for fresh challenges in the lightweight division. As one of the top fighters in the weight class, Gaethje has already faced Poirier in a thrilling bout that showcased both fighters’ heart, skill, and resilience. However, after a career full of memorable bouts, Gaethje feels it’s time to look forward to new and exciting opportunities.
“I’ve fought Dustin before, and we’ve already given the fans a hell of a fight,” Gaethje said. “I’m not one to do the same thing twice. There’s a lot of other matchups out there, and I’m looking to face the best in the division that I haven’t fought yet.”
Gaethje’s mindset is focused on advancing his career, pursuing new opponents, and ultimately working his way toward a title shot. The fighter’s drive to stay fresh and relevant in the division leads him to prioritize facing new names rather than revisiting old rivalries. This is part of Gaethje’s strategy to continue evolving as a fighter and making sure that his future bouts are meaningful and rewarding.
The Respect for Poirier
While Gaethje might not want a trilogy fight, that doesn’t mean he lacks respect for Poirier. Quite the opposite, in fact. The two fighters share a mutual respect that stems from their similar fighting styles and incredible durability. Both have taken part in some of the most brutal contests in UFC history and have left it all in the octagon during their encounters with one another.
Gaethje has gone on record multiple times to praise Poirier’s toughness and skill. He acknowledged that Poirier’s striking and ability to push through adversity make him one of the best in the division. However, as Gaethje pointed out, the intensity of their first fight and the way it unfolded makes it unnecessary to revisit their rivalry at this stage of their careers.
“We’ve fought already, and it was an amazing fight. I respect Dustin as a fighter, and he’s earned his spot among the best in the world,” Gaethje remarked. “But for me, it’s about moving forward and giving the fans new matchups. That’s what excites me the most.”
Focusing on the Title
At the core of Gaethje’s reasoning is his ultimate goal: to become UFC lightweight champion. With his sights set on capturing the title, Gaethje believes that fighting other top contenders, like Charles Oliveira, Islam Makhachev, or Beneil Dariush, is the best path forward for him. Gaethje feels that a trilogy with Poirier, while potentially exciting for some, doesn’t help him progress toward that goal.
The lightweight division is stacked with talent, and Gaethje knows that facing fresh challengers is the most strategic route to a title shot. While the idea of revisiting old rivalries can be appealing, Gaethje’s desire to secure a championship belt drives him to focus on what’s ahead rather than what’s behind.
Gaethje’s Unique Fighting Mentality
What makes Justin Gaethje such a compelling figure in MMA is his unwavering commitment to delivering exciting, fan-friendly fights while staying true to his principles. His attitude toward a potential Poirier trilogy reflects his overall philosophy of never resting on his laurels or rehashing past battles. Gaethje is always looking ahead, ensuring that his next fight is just as exhilarating, if not more, than the one that came before it.
Gaethje’s refusal to engage in a trilogy with Poirier is emblematic of his desire for continued growth and evolution as a fighter. He’s not content with simply being part of the conversation; he wants to be at the very top of the lightweight division, competing for championships and making history in the UFC.
Conclusion
While fans may continue to clamor for a Poirier-Gaethje trilogy, it’s clear that Justin Gaethje is focused on the future rather than revisiting past matchups. His decision to avoid a third bout with Poirier speaks to his larger goals as a fighter—seeking new challenges, remaining competitive at the highest level, and chasing that coveted UFC lightweight title. With his unyielding spirit and determination, Gaethje is ready to prove that he’s more than just a fighter; he’s a force to be reckoned with in the world of mixed martial arts.