By Lourence Alturino
Image from UFC.com
Who is the baddest motherf***er in the game? Lucky for us fight fans, we will get that answer in the best way possible as the two most vicious fighters in the game square off once again in the octagon.
These two have fought once before back in 2018 where Dustin Poirier would finish Justin Gaethje in the fourth round. It's been five years since that fight and they are not the same fighters they were back then. However, will the result be the same or not? The vacant BMF title is on the line in what should be a fight of the year contender.
Dustin "The Diamond" Poirier (29-7, 1 NC)
The definition of a savage. The man that holds the record for the most KOs in UFC lightweight history (8). The former interim lightweight champion has some of the best boxing in the sport of MMA. His crisp and technically sound combinations have lead him to the dance and here he is yet again to put on a show.
Dustin Poirier has one of the most impressive resumes you could think of. With wins over Justin Gaethje, Michael Chandler, Max Holloway 2x, and Conor Mcgregor 2x, Poirier has cemented himself as one of the greatest lightweights of all time. His time to win the undisputed championship again is dwindling down, so this is fight he truly needs to win.
The biggest thing for Poirier in this fight will be to watch out for those leg kicks. While Dustin was having plenty of success stringing together combinations, his lead leg was beat up badly. He finished Gaethje that night, but the leg damage is not to be ignored. Can Poirier repeat and gain another victory over Justin Gaethje?
Keys for Poirier
- Beware of the leg kick, check and counter
- Attack the body
- Push Gaethje back, make him fight off the back foot
Justin "The Highlight" Gaethje (24-4)
"In a sport that's violent, he stands out as the most violent." - Joe Rogan. You don't walk out the same man after a fight with Justin Gaethje. "The Highlight" is a much deserved nickname as he is one of the most exciting fighters MMA has ever seen, obtaining 11 fight bonuses in his 11 UFC fights.
The reason why Gaethje is so entertaining to watch is the fact that he is so willing to just throw caution into the wind. Throw with reckless abandon. It's a style that will not work for most, but it works for Justin Gaethje as he is also a former interim lightweight champion. As wild as Justin can be, when he is patient and technical, he is one difficult fighter to defeat. Ask Tony Ferguson and Rafael Fiziev, they'll tell you.
The biggest downfall for Justin in the first encounter was walking into range and absorbing Poirier's biggest shots. It was a strategy that partially worked, but one that lead him to a loss. Just like his opponent, Justin's time to obtain the undisputed title is ticking, so this is also a must win. After five years, can Justin Gaethje make the right adjustments and get his win back?
Keys for Gaethje
- Attack the legs
- Use head movement, don't walk into range
- Don't get into a brawl, stay discipline
Breakdown
We have to establish this once again, these two are not the same fighters they were in that first fight. Therefore, I don't anticipate the same fight. However, I do expect an absolute war as that is a guarantee whenever these two step into the octagon.
Poirier attacking the body of Gaethje is definitely a must. Gaethje is a guy who will just be in your face all night and smother you. Working the body will zap Justin's gas tank and will leave openings up top for Dustin to capitalize on. Also, pushing Gaethje backwards should be something Poirier implements in the game plan. Gaethje isn't as good backwards as he is forward, so Poirier pressuring Gaethje is something to look out for.
The leg kicks for Gaethje will always be there. However, seeing as though, Poirier has already finished him via a left hand counter to his leg kick, Gaethje will need to be more strategic with the leg attacks. Gaethje should be more patient period, but especially with the leg kicks as that is his biggest weapon in this fight. More movement for Justin is needed as well. Walking into range isn't going to do Justin much favors, so utilizing movement to set up shots is crucial.
While I don't expect this fight to get to the ground often, it's definitely something to foresee. Gaethje is an incredible defensive wrestler, yet does not use his offensive wrestling often. Potentially level changes from Justin could occur. And if it does go to the ground, watch out for Poirier's BJJ as he can make you tap.
Final Prediction
Comentarios