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Monday, Mar 20, 2023

Justin Gaethje Hoping For Dustin Poirier or Charles Oliveira Rematches Next

Justin Gaethje (image via UFC/YouTube)

By Kelsey Mowatt

After halting the rise of Rafael Fiziev at UFC 286 on Saturday, Justin Gaethje has made it clear he wants to fight a lightweight who’s ranked ahead of him next. As the rankings stand currently, this means a rematch would be in order.

Gaethje faced Fiziev in the card’s co-headliner, and outstruck the accomplished, Muay Thai practitioner for the decision win. Heading into the contest, Gaethje was ranked #3 in the UFC’s lightweight division and Fiziev was #6.

Following the win, the 34-year-old Gaethje reported he thinks only a fight with a lightweight ranked ahead of him now, makes sense (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“I did what I had to do,” Gaethje said at the post-fight presser. “I fought someone below me, and I 100 percent believe that I deserve to fight someone in front of me.

“The loser of the (Charles) Oliveira- (Beneil) Dariush fight. I rather not fight Dariush, I love that dude. I do believe he’s going to beat Oliveira. I fought like a complete idiot when I fought Oliveira, so I would love to have that fight back, but Dustin (Poirier) is as good of an option.”

Gaethje (24-4) faced Oliveira in May, 2022, and was submitted by the now-former champ in round one. The former WSOF champ battled Poirier back in 2018, and the latter stopped Gaethje in round four.

Oliveira is booked to fight Dariush at UFC 288, May 6th.

UFC 286 took place in London, England. Gaethje and Fiziev earned “Fight of the Night” honors at the event.

posted by FCF Staff @ 11:04 am
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