Dustin Poirier: Why I don’t like the Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje matchup

Dustin Poirier has shared his thoughts on the upcoming lightweight title fight.

Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje will unify the division in the UFC White House main event on June 14.

Fans can’t wait to see the 155lb champions throw down, but Dustin Poirier‘s overriding emotion ahead of the fight is concern.

Dustin Poirier fears for Justin Gaethje against Ilia Topuria

Dustin Poirier expressed his dislike of the Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje matchup on Tuesday.

‘The Diamond’ shared his concern for Gaethje during an appearance on Joe Rogan‘s MMA show.

“Dude, I love Justin,” Poirier said.

“I’m a fan. I don’t like this matchup for him.”

Rogan interjected: “Justin knows what he’s getting into, and it’s hard to count that dude out.”

Poirier’s response seemed to suggest Gaethje has no more than a puncher’s chance against Topuria.

The former BMF champion concluded: “Yeah, he can land a shot but…”

Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje’s relationship explained

Dustin Poirier has developed a deep respect for Justin Gaethje during their long rivalry.

Poirier won by TKO at the start of the fourth round when they first fought in April 2018.

‘The Diamond’ had to overcome early adversity when Gaethje hammered him with leg kicks during a back-and-forth ‘Fight of the Year’ contender, which saw both men nearly finished before ‘The Diamond’ emerged victorious.

Gaethje got his revenge when they rematched with the BMF title on the line at UFC 291 in July 2023.

Poirier was knocked out cold by a head kick in the second round of their second MMA fight.

It seems unlikely that we’ll ever get to see Poirier and Gaethje complete their trilogy.

Poirier is retired, and Gaethje has been talking about calling it a career throughout 2026.

So, it looks like the lightweight rivals will be tied at 1-1 for the rest of eternity.