5 reasons why a rematch between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje should be booked

Dustin Poirier has emerged as a household name in the UFC lightweight division. His recent pair of wins against former double champion Conor McGregor introduced him to the world of mainstream sports and the Irishman's casual fans. Meanwhile, Justin Gaethje has cemented his status as guaranteed entertainment.

Neither fighter has ever been a part of a boring fight. They either finish their opponents or fall on their shields trying. Their similarities, however, don't end there. The two men are both former interim lightweight champions, with 'The Diamond' defeating Max Holloway, while 'The Highlight' brutalized Tony Ferguson.

Justin Gaethje has been vocal about earning a rematch against the Lousianan power-puncher, even once questioning whether his foe would accept a rematch. Meanwhile, Dustin Poirier recently responded to his rival's post-UFC 286 callout. With 'The Diamond' receptive to a rematch, the UFC should book it.

---

#5. Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje have history

Part of booking a matchup is finding a way to convince MMA fans that it is something they want to watch. More than that, however, the UFC must convince fans that a matchup is something they want to pay for. The easiest way to do so is by using a pair of well-known names to draw viewers.

Rivalries, however, add an extra sprinkle of spice to any matchup. Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje have both faced each other once before. Their bout was a Fight of the Night winner that ended with a fourth-round TKO in Poirier's favor. The fight is a loss that Gaethje has been desperate to avenge.

He once claimed that 'The Diamond' was in worse pain than he was after their bout and openly rooted for Charles Oliveira when the Brazilian faced his rival. His reason for doing so was his belief that Poirier would opt to retire rather than face him again. This is something that the UFC can build upon.

Additionally, numerous MMA outlets ranked their initial clash as 2018's Fight of the Year. Thus, there will be tremendous interest in a rematch that can be easily marketed.

---

#4. It would almost certainly be 2023's Fight of the Year

There aren't many matchups that are guaranteed entertainment. A bout's outcome can be very difficult to predict. UFC color commentator Joe Rogan infamously described the UFC 226 dud between titanic knockout artists Francis Ngannou and Derrick Lewis as a fight that couldn't possibly end with a decision.

However, in rare occurrences, there are fights that are virtually impossible to end in decisions. Neither Justin Gaethje nor Dustin Poirier are decision-fighters. The two men are action fighters who always strive to finish their opponents. Every single one of their bouts is exciting, including their initial matchup.

A rematch would be unrivaled in terms of action. The two men are power-punchers who always start their fights at a fast pace. If their first encounter is any indication of how a rematch will transpire, they'll certainly be at the helm of a Fight of the Year candidate for 2023.

---

#3. Dustin Poirier has no clear path moving forward

It's safe to say that Dustin Poirier doesn't have an obvious direction moving forward. The former interim champion has failed twice to capture undisputed divisional gold. He made his first attempt against undefeated legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, but succumbed to a rear-naked choke.

His next attempt came against submission specialist Charles Oliveira, resulting in yet another rear-naked choke loss. Since then, Dustin Poirier has taken part in fun matchups, including his barn-burner with three-time Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler.

Unfortunately, his goals moving forward haven't been apparent. He flirted with a move to welterweight, tried to fight Nate Diaz and made a half-hearted callout at divisional kingpin Islam Makhachev. He isn't actively campaigning for a title shot nor is he calling for a specific matchup.

Thus, a rematch with a former, beatable foe like Justin Gaethje would give him something to do and a win could potentially earn him his final title shot.

---

#2. A win would earn Justin Gaethje a title shot

Justin Gaethje has been clear on his title aspirations. His goal to capture the UFC lightweight title has never changed, regardless of his two losses in undisputed title matches. While he recently defeated elite-level kickboxer Rafael Fiziev, 'The Highlight' has not yet done enough to earn a third crack at the divisional throne.

Very few fighters have earned title fights off a one-fight win streak. Justin Gaethje did so once after coming off a loss against Khabib Nurmagomedov and defeating Michael Chandler to earn a title shot against Charles Oliveira. If he avenges his loss to 'The Diamond', he will almost certainly earn another title shot.

Dustin Poirier is the number-two ranked lightweight in the UFC. A win over him would earn anyone a crack at the divisional throne. If 'The Highlight' wants to solidify his championship campaign, he must defeat him.

---

#1. Their matchup can easily boost any PPV

The combined starpower in a matchup that includes Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier cannot be understated. As a rematch, the fight will have an extra element of intrigue that will help draw interest in it. Furthermore, the fact that the two men are former interim titleholders will enhance the prestige of the bout.

The implications of the bout being a title eliminator will also make it even more important. Reigning champion Islam Makhachev could even be in attendance for a promotional face-off with whoever he'll face in Abu Dhabi later this year. The excitement surrounding the action-packed nature of the bout will also help.

Thus, such a fight could easily be used to enhance a fairly weak PPV card that is struggling to draw interest from the fans. The bout is a thrilling co-main event that will allow the UFC to preserve a title matchup instead of scheduling an event that requires two title fights to draw interest.