Justin Gaethje is convinced he’s next in line for the winner of UFC 269’s main event between lightweight champ Charles Oliveira and former interim titleholder Dustin Poirier. But is one opponent more preferable?
“Oliveira is easier,” Gaethje flatly told MMA Junkie. “For sure, he’s an easier matchup. Both incredibly dangerous, both at the top of this game. Highest-level fighters. It still comes down to who makes a mistake first, but I take back nothing that I said, and when I get to fight Charles Oliveira, I’ll show you that there is no f*cking dog in that man, and that will be the gameplan.”
While Oliveira is currently riding a nine-fight winning streak, a run that includes his May win over Michael Chandler to claim the UFC title, the Brazilian has suffered seven losses in the octagon and long carried a reputation as a bit of a frontrunner who struggled to survive when he wasn’t the one dominating an opponent.
Oliveira (31-8 MMA, 19-8 UFC) has shaken much of the criticism with his current run, but that didn’t stop Gaethje from labeling him a “quitter” earlier this year. Gaethje (23-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) said he hasn’t changed that opinion but also wants to make it clear he’s not saying Oliveira is an easy fight for anyone else – “The Highlight” just thinks it’s an easy fight for him.
“He’s easier for me,” Gaethje said. “He ain’t no easy fight for nobody. When it comes to Poirier vs. Oliveira, he’s the easier fight for me because I’m a f*cking dog, and this dude is not.”
Gaethje told MMA Junkie he has not yet been promised a fight with the winner of the Oliveira-Poirier winner at UFC 269 on Dec. 11 but that he doesn’t see any possible way he doesn’t get booked for a title shot next, especially after his thrilling decision win over Michael Chandler at UFC 268. Who he’ll face for the belt remains to be seen.
If it’s Oliveira, there’s certain to be a touch of bad blood given the comments, but Gaethje insists he’s just speaking his mind. If it’s Poirier (28-6 MMA, 20-5 UFC), Gaethje gets a chance to revisit one of his few career losses in a rematch of their 2018 classic that was named MMA Junkie’s “Fight of the Year.”
Gaethje insists he doesn’t have a preference but will be more than ready for either man when the time comes. If it’s Oliveira, though, Gaethje plans on proving his claims.
“The best story that I can write would be to f*cking show that, but I really want my revenge on Poirier, too,” Gaethje said. “So I promise you, I’ll wake up on fire every day ready to work until then.”
To see the full interview with Gaethje, check out the video below.
Justin Gaethje wants revenge on Dustin Poirier, but says Charles Oliveira is ‘an easier matchup’
