UFC Hints at Dustin Poirier vs Justin Gaethje 3 in 2025
UFC Hints at Dustin Poirier vs Justin Gaethje 3 in 2025
By Tim Burke November 05, 2024 17:03
On Monday evening, the UFC uploaded a highlight video of Justin Gaethje vs. Dustin Poirier titled "How does a third fight between these two go?" This signals that the UFC could book Poirier vs. Gaethje 3 at the beginning of 2025.
Both fighters are among the most challenging and entertaining in this era. Their last meeting at UFC 291 in July 2023 was for the BMF title, where Gaethje evened the score to 1-1. A third fight would settle the score and determine each fighter's legacy.
After losing at UFC 302, Poirier announced that his next fight would be his last. On Monday, when a fan proposed Poirier vs. Holloway for the BMF belt, the 35-year-old responded on X with "Last Dance." He reiterated that his next fight would indeed be his last. With UFC 309 just a few days away, the UFC is likely to announce the first major fights of 2025, which could include Poirier's retirement bout.
Despite Holloway holding the BMF belt, a trilogy with Gaethje needs to be addressed. Both fighters are exceptional talents, and their first two bouts are regarded as some of the greatest and most memorable in UFC history. The trilogy is a straightforward decision for the UFC to make.
Poirier boasts an impressive career marked by a fierce rivalry with Conor McGregor and unforgettable battles against Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje. The final fight of a legendary career like Poirier's will undoubtedly draw significant attention and sell plenty of tickets for the UFC, no matter the opponent. Still, Gaethje stands out as a fantastic option as both fighters are in need of an opponent for their next fight, as they are both coming off difficult losses.
The two fighters are remarkably similar, exhibiting great action-heavy styles and having been long-time contenders. They were made to fight each other. Neither fighter has captured the undisputed lightweight title, having both been defeated by elite grapplers such as Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. For Gaethje, a win gives him one last shot at the light weight title. Both fighters are in the twiglhight of their career, legacies are being formed, a trioly settles who is the better fighter.
In conclusion, a third clash between Poirier and Gaethje would not only provide closure to their ongoing rivalry but also offer fans another chance to witness the explosive styles and competitive spirit that have defined both fighters' careers. The anticipation surrounding this potential fight adds to the excitement of the upcoming year in the UFC.