TLDR
- Justin Gaethje said he would consider a third fight with Dustin Poirier if the UFC wants it
- Poirier retired in 2024 but commented on Instagram he’d return for a trilogy fight
- The two fighters have split their previous meetings, each earning a knockout win
- Gaethje won an interim lightweight title at UFC 324 with a decision over Paddy Pimblett
- Gaethje’s main focus is getting a shot at Ilia Topuria’s undisputed lightweight belt
Sources: Bloody Elbow | Yardbarker
Justin Gaethje said he would seriously consider a third fight with Dustin Poirier if the retired fighter decides to return to the UFC. The two lightweight fighters have split a pair of memorable battles, with each man earning a knockout victory over the other.
Poirier first defeated Gaethje in April 2018, landing a knockout win in their initial meeting. Gaethje evened the score five years later at UFC 291, taking home the BMF belt with his own knockout victory in 2023.
Poirier retired from fighting last year after losing to Max Holloway for the BMF title at UFC 318. The 37-year-old walked away from the sport following that third bout with Holloway.
But Poirier showed interest in returning after Gaethje’s recent success. Gaethje captured an interim lightweight title at UFC 324 last month, going the distance with Paddy Pimblett to claim his second interim championship.
Justin Gaethje reacts to Dustin Poirier trilogy offer after rival claims he will make shock UFC return https://t.co/HOCEKzkTEw pic.twitter.com/ed6ISPurFw
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) February 2, 2026
Poirier Responds on Social Media
Former Strikeforce champion Josh Thomson publicly called for a final fight between Gaethje and Poirier following the UFC 324 victory. Poirier then replied on Instagram, writing: “I’ll come back for that one.”
The comment sparked immediate conversation among fans about whether the retired fighter would actually return. Gaethje is three months older than Poirier at 37 years old, but just proved he still has plenty left in the tank.
Gaethje addressed the potential trilogy in an interview with Bloody Elbow. “Dustin’s a warrior and I’ll always respect him,” Gaethje said.
“If he really wants to come back and the UFC wants that fight, I’d do it,” he added. “But I’m focused on moving forward, not backward. I’ve got goals I’m chasing, and that’s where my attention is.”
Veterans Beating Younger Fighters
Gaethje’s win over Pimblett has been seen as a victory for the veteran fighters in the division. Poirier commented that it was a win for the legends, but Gaethje believes the older generation holds an even bigger advantage.
“We’re up three,” Gaethje told UFC News. “He [Poirier] beat Benoit Saint-Denis, I beat [Rafael] Fiziev and I just beat Paddy. We’re up three right now.”
Gaethje acknowledged one loss for the veterans, noting that Ilia Topuria defeated Holloway. “[Ilia] Topuria took out Max [Holloway], so we might be 3-1 but I’m going to try to avenge that one,” he said.
Gaethje’s primary focus remains on fighting for the undisputed lightweight title. His recent interim title win has put him back in position for a shot at Topuria’s belt.
The two lightweights have given fans thrilling fights in both their previous meetings. A trilogy bout would settle their rivalry once and for all, with each fighter currently holding one knockout victory over the other.
Gaethje made clear that while he respects Poirier and would take the fight if offered, he is not actively pushing for it. His priority is moving forward in his career and chasing the undisputed championship rather than revisiting past rivalries.
