In a gripping showcase of skill and determination, Justin Gaethje co-headlined UFC 313 earlier this month, securing a unanimous decision victory over Rafael Fiziev. This win, noted for its intensity and strategic execution, marks Gaethje's second triumph over Fiziev, solidifying his position as one of the top fighters in the lightweight division.
Following the fight, speculation arose regarding a potential matchup with Dustin Poirier, a rivalry that has captivated fans since their first encounter. However, Gaethje, the former interim lightweight champion, has expressed hesitance about stepping into the cage with Poirier again, citing personal reasons that have garnered respect from both fans and fellow fighters alike.
Gaethje and Poirier have a storied history, having faced each other twice in the octagon. Their first bout took place at UFC on Fox 29 in 2018, where Poirier emerged victorious with a TKO in the fourth round. The rivalry intensified when they met again at UFC 291 in 2023, where Gaethje avenged his earlier loss with a stunning second-round knockout, earning the symbolic BMF title in the process.
Now, as Poirier nears retirement at the age of 36, the prospect of a third fight has become a topic of great interest among fans. Yet, Gaethje remains firm in his stance, stating, "I’ve stated many times that I don’t think either one of our families deserves that. We’re 1-1. I’m OK with it. If he’s OK with it, then no." His comments reflect a deep respect for both their families and the physical toll that fighting can take.
UFC veteran Chael Sonnen praised Gaethje for his thoughtful approach, emphasizing the honor in his decision to refrain from a third bout. Sonnen noted, "Dustin Poirier plans to fight one more time. So Justin Gaethje coming out now and saying, Dustin and I are one and one. I can live with that, and I hope he can. It’s an honorable move now because Justin could have pulled a scumbag move and started putting his finger in Dustin’s chest." This sentiment underscores the mutual respect that exists between the two fighters, despite their competitive history.
While the potential matchup with Poirier hangs in the balance, Gaethje has set his sights on a different target: Islam Makhachev. With a desire to reclaim championship glory, Gaethje sees Makhachev as the next challenge worth pursuing. Reflecting on his past experience against Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev's mentor, Gaethje feels confident about this matchup. "I mean, I wanna fight for the belt, obviously. It’s a much different matchup than I just had. They [the UFC] tried to give me a donut, but I need to get back to running if I’m gonna fight Makhachev," he remarked after UFC 313.
Gaethje's quest for the lightweight title is not just about personal glory; it’s a reflection of the brutal realities of mixed martial arts, a theme echoed by Joe Rogan in a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience. Rogan discussed the long-lasting effects of fighting, particularly reflecting on Gaethje's previous bout against Tony Ferguson. He described Ferguson as an "unstoppable force" during his prime, but noted that the crushing defeat he suffered at the hands of Gaethje left him diminished, both physically and mentally.
Rogan elaborated on the severe toll that such fights can take on a fighter's career, stating, "Your whole identity is wrapped up in being a champion… and then you’re no longer the king of the hill. Sometimes it happens very rapidly… You go from being the pound-for-pound best in the world to a guy who nobody thinks is going to win the title again." This sobering assessment highlights the precarious nature of a fighter's career, where one brutal defeat can lead to a rapid decline.
In Ferguson's case, the aftermath of his loss to Gaethje was particularly devastating. Rogan pointed out that Ferguson lost seven more fights following that defeat, illustrating how a single fight can irreparably alter a fighter's trajectory. "Justin Gaethje beat him so bad he was never the same again, he was never the same guy again," Rogan noted, emphasizing the psychological and physical impacts of the sport.
Rogan's insights extended beyond mixed martial arts, drawing parallels with boxing. He referenced the career of Meldrick Taylor, who suffered a life-altering defeat against Julio Cesar Chavez. Taylor was stopped just seconds before the end of the fight, an event that marked the beginning of his decline. Rogan remarked, "Everybody points to Meldrick Taylor as one of the best examples… Chavez broke him down in the fight and stopped him with a couple of seconds to go in the last round. Meldrick Taylor was never the same again."
This conversation sheds light on the brutal realities faced by fighters in both boxing and MMA, where the line between victory and defeat can have profound implications on their lives. The stories of Gaethje, Ferguson, and Taylor serve as reminders of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of greatness.
As Gaethje looks to the future, the landscape of the lightweight division continues to evolve. With the potential for high-stakes matchups on the horizon, fans are left wondering what the next chapter will hold for this compelling athlete. Whether it’s a title shot against Makhachev or a surprising twist in his rivalry with Poirier, one thing is certain: Justin Gaethje remains a formidable force in the world of mixed martial arts.
