In 2018, Dustin Poirier TKO’d Justin Gaethje in the fourth round to win the UFC on Fox 29 fight. Since beating Rafael Fiziev at UFC 286, the No. 3 lightweight has been pursuing a rematch. The Highlight, in a conversation with Damon Martin of MMA Fighting, pushed for the fight again, saying:
“I think that’s the obvious answer. He’s No.2, he has no dance partner, and the same with me. I think that fight is certainly a title contention fight. The winner of the [Charles] Oliveira and [Beneil] Dariush fight, obviously they are going to fight for the title in October, so I need to fight Dustin in August, September, or October to put me on that perfect timeline.”
When speaking about his initial encounter with Dustin Poirier in 2018, Justin Gaethje said:
“I think we’re both different fighters. Obviously, that was five years ago so yeah, it’s a different ballgame, but a fight’s a fight. At the end of the day, I think he’s got phenomenal skills, he’s a hell of a matchup for me, and nothing short of Fight of the Century again.”
Gaethje continued by saying that because of the potential for injury, nobody around him thinks “The Diamond” will accept the challenge. The No. 3 lightweight objected, pointing out that it was likely to be a battle of the No. 1 lightweight contenders. He stated that he would prefer a three-round fight because his pay would be the same way.
To Justin Gaethje’s call-out, Dustin Poirier responds.
Ever since beating Rafael Fiziev in a brutal three-round fight at UFC 286 Justin Gaethje has been itching to take on Dustin Poirier. The Diamond appeared to confirm his interest in a rematch of UFC on Fox 29 on Twitter with four words after yet another call-out, in which “The Highlight” claimed that people in the area think the No. 2-ranked lightweight will decline the fight.
“Fight of the century.”
Poirier made reference to the “Fight of the Century” remark made by the No. 3 ranked lightweight in a recent interview with Damon Martin of MMA Fighting, though he did not specifically name Gaethje. 2018’s Fight of the Night winner, the No. 2-ranked lightweight, defeated “The Highlight” via fourth-round TKO. The UFC on Fox 29 main event has also been dubbed the 2018 Fight of the Year by a number of sources.
The opponent Justin Gaethje was afraid of going up against.
One of the UFC’s bravest competitors is Justin Gaethje, according to legend. But there was one combatant who even Gaethje dreaded.
As he is aptly known, “The Highlight,” he has recently put up some of the best efforts in the UFC. He has received an unprecedented amount of performance-of-the-night bonuses for his efforts. Gaethje, however, was afraid of Edson Barboza, a foe he encountered in 2019. Prior to the altercation, he tweeted his thoughts:
“One of the few times I’ve been scared walking into a fight was against Barboza. Watching him body people was definitely in the back of my mind.”
As soon as Justin Gaethje started attacking Barboza’s lead leg in the first round, it rapidly grew swollen and the Brazilian was forced to lean against the cage. Gaethje used the opportunity to put pressure on his opponent as Daniel Cormier quickly realised what had occurred. Barboza lowered his guard as he started to move rearward.
The Highlight connected with a right hook that instantly knocked Barboza out as he relaxed his defence. After pulling off a walk-off knockout, Gaethje performed his trademark backflip off the top of the cage.
