Dustin Poirier advised Justin Gaethje to brawl instead of trying to edge him out by technique and declared himself the most violent fighter on the roster.
Former UFC interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier was last seen in action against Michael Chandler at UFC 281 last November. He put on a strong performance and managed to finish ‘Iron’ Mike in the third round by a rear-naked choke to get back in the winning column. Being the second-ranked contender in his division, there were not a lot of options for Poirier that made sense for his next outing until Justin Gaethje, another former champion, asserted his place in the mix of title contention by defeating rising sensation Rafael Fiziev at UFC 286 four months ago.
Dustin Poirier advises Justin Gaethje to brawl with him
During the pre-fight press conference for UFC 291, Dustin Poirier shared his thoughts on his upcoming bout with Justin Gaethje this Saturday. Gaethje intends to test his technique against Poirier but the latter believes his best chances are if he makes it a brawl.
“Yeah, I do [think he’ll make a mistake if he tests technique]. If he wants to technically kickboxing with me and grapple with me,” said Poirier. “I think his best chances are to catch me being crazy and landing a shot. If he tries to take his time and be methodical, I’m going to show you levels.”
Poirier admitted he did not expect to rematch Gaethje and did not want to go through the experience again.
“I actually sat next to Justin at one of the pay-per-views in Vegas and we were talking, chopping it up. I told him, ‘I don’t want to do that again.’ I told him that I don’t want to do that again and here we are about to throw hands. Throughout the five years since the first fight, I didn’t see it coming.”
Poirier says Gaethje knows he’s the most violent man in the game
‘Diamond’ highlighted Gaethje’s reputation for being an exciting fighter. He declared himself the most violent man in the game and argued even Gaethje would agree.
“He doesn’t like to go out of his way to portray that but he’s kind of got that aura about him now as the chaos and the most violent and all that but I really am that and he knows that.”
Dustin Poirier will take on Justin Gaethje in a rematch for the vacant BMF (Baddest MotherF**ker) title in the headlining bout of UFC 291 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
