Dustin Poirier says he’s back to full health and looking to book his return to the octagon for April.
The former interim lightweight champion is in need of opponent, though, and Poirier (25-6 MMA, 17-5 UFC) is looking for a meaningful name that will make it clear he still belongs at the top of the divisional pecking order.
Given how the 155-pound weight class stands currently, a rematch with Justin Gaethje (21-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) could be the most attractive option. UFC 249, which takes place April 18 in Brooklyn, N.Y., is still in need of a co-main event, and with lightweight kingpin Khabib Nurmagomedov scheduled to defend against Tony Ferguson in the headliner, it would make sense to put another key matchup for the division on the card.
Gaethje recently said he agreed with that sentiment, he just didn’t know what opponent would make sense for him. Poirier, who handed “The Highlight” a fourth-round knockout loss at UFC on FOX 29 in April 2018, is willing to run it back in a key matchup of contenders (via Twitter):
Poirier, who fell short of unifying the lightweight title against Nurmagomedov at UFC 242 in September, underwent a procedure to repair lingering damage to his hip not long after the contest.
He’s been on the sidelines since, but has been active in making it known he wanted a marquee fight upon his return to the octagon. He’s pushed for a rebooking against Nate Diaz, or even a jump up to the welterweight division if the right opportunity presents itself.
Should none of those other options materialize, though, a rematch with Gaethje – who has three consecutive first-round knockout wins since their first meeting – has massive potential consequences.
Dustin Poirier says he's down to rematch Justin Gaethje in UFC 249 co-headliner
