Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje have a history. The pair fought for the BMF title in July 2023 and Gathje knocked out the UFC veteran with a brutal head kick in the second round. But that loss didn't stop the UFC from booking Poirier for a title fight versus Islam Makhachev at UFC 302.
Many fans and critics had wondered if Gaethje might be harboring some ill will for the chance given to Poirier but it appears as though Gaethje is supportive of the matchmaking.
“I think under the circumstances, he deserves it,” Gaethje told Title Sports Network. “The two contenders that came, Max Holloway and Arman Tsarukyan both just fought. Tsarukyan wasn’t (willing to turn around quickly, so) Poirier is the next best option. He’s done so much in this sport that you can’t really ever complain when he gets a title shot.”
Both Poirier and Gaethje have fought for titles versus Makhachev's coach and mentor, former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. and Gaethje believes that gives Poirier some insight into how it might be to fight Makhachev.
“Well, we’ve both been in there with Khabib already, so we have an idea,” Gaethje said. “They’re obviously not the same fighter. They don’t fight the same styles. But they are both really heavy grappling. You’ve really just got to trust in your ability to grapple for the whole fight. If your cardio is there and you know you can survive those attacks, then eventually you’re going to get back to the feet and be able to cause damage if you’re in good enough shape.”
UFC 302 takes place on June 1 in Newark, New Jersey.