Oh, Justin Gaethje. The man’s a fighter through and through, isn’t he? He went toe-to-toe with Max Holloway, choosing the thrill of the fight over sitting back and waiting for a title shot. That’s gutsy. And now, it’s Dustin Poirier stepping into the spotlight for that coveted title shot.
Remember when Gaethje knocked Poirier out cold with that head-kick last year? That was something, huh? Earned him the BMF title and threw him right into the mix for the lightweight title. But then, Poirier, he didn’t just sit around moping. Nope. He came back with a bang, knocking out Benoit St. Denis at UFC 299. Talk about making a statement.
So, Gaethje, he could’ve played it safe. But nope, not his style. He put his BMF title on the line against Holloway at UFC 300. A bold move, especially with Islam Makhachev waiting in the wings to defend his title this summer. That fight? It was never going to happen for the winner of Gaethje-Holloway, not with the quick turnaround.
And yeah, Gaethje’s admitting it now. Taking that fight with Holloway at UFC 300? It meant kissing the next title shot goodbye. Makhachev’s set to defend against Poirier at UFC 302 in Newark. But get this, despite the knockout loss to Holloway, Gaethje’s got zero regrets. He knew, win or lose against Holloway, fighting Makhachev this summer was off the table.
But here’s the kicker. Gaethje, he’s actually cool with Poirier getting the shot at Makhachev. “Crazy game, you know,” he said in a chat with MMA Knockout. Could’ve sat out, waited for that title fight. But no regrets from him. Being part of UFC 300? That was huge. Historic, even. And being the best fight on that card? That’s something that’ll stick around.
Sure, it was a gamble. And yeah, he didn’t win. But if he had? If he’d scored a quick knockout? He’d be the one facing Makhachev. But that’s the fight game for you. It’s unpredictable. Now, it’s Poirier’s turn, and Gaethje? He’s just happy for “The Diamond.” That’s sportsmanship. That’s the heart of a fighter. And in the end, Gaethje’s just rolling with the punches, happy to be part of the game, no matter how it turns out.