Poirier Hints At Comeback To Face Gaethje

Dustin Poirier watched Justin Gaethje become champion on the White House lawn last weekend — and left the door open to coming back.

Poirier retired following a trilogy loss to Max Holloway last year, but retirement has not sat entirely still. After attending UFC Freedom 250 and watching Gaethje stop Ilia Topuria in one of the most dramatic upsets in recent UFC history, a fan asked whether he would return to face the new champion. Poirier did not say no.

"Yes but first things first — Justin Gaethje you are a savage. Congratulations on everything. It was inspiring to be there in person and watch you put on a masterful performance and turn your dream into reality, undisputed. Nothing but respect for you," Poirier

The history between them gives the proposition genuine weight. Poirier stopped Gaethje in April 2018. Gaethje returned the favour at UFC 291 in 2023, finishing Poirier to claim the BMF title and even the series at one apiece. A third fight, with a world title now attached to Gaethje's name, completes a trilogy.

The complication is that both men appear to be weighing the same question from opposite sides. Poirier is retired and hinting at a return. Gaethje is champion and hinting at retirement.

Poirier is not the fighter he was at his peak, and a year away from competition does not make the return easier. But he was present on Sunday night, watched Gaethje achieve something he spent a career chasing, and apparently felt something he could not dismiss with a clean no.