"Gaethje (27-5) won the interim lightweight title with a brutal beating of Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 last month. While Poirier retired last year, Gaethje's performance against Pimblett made him open to a return. Having gone 1-1 head-to-head with Gaethje, Poirier expressed interest in ending his retirement for a rubber fight against "The Highlight." Gaethje is also open to a trilogy fight against "The Diamond" if all concerned parties are interested."
"Respect for a Warrior "Dustin's a warrior and I'll always respect him," Gaethje told Bloody Elbow. "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.""
Justin Gaethje captured the interim lightweight title by defeating Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324. Dustin Poirier retired last year after a loss to Max Holloway, but has expressed interest in returning for a rubber match with Gaethje. Gaethje has said he would accept a third meeting if Poirier returns and the UFC wants the fight, though he emphasizes a focus on progressing his career. Gaethje is expected to pursue unification against champion Ilia Topuria later in the year. Gaethje respects Poirier as a warrior and recalled their 2018 loss and 2023 knockout rematch victory.
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