Morning Report: Dustin Poirier open to Justin Gaethje rematch: ‘It’s a fight that makes me nervous’

Dustin Poirier is ready to make some more highlights.

If there’s a violenceweight champion, Poirier has proven to be the rightful title owner after numerous thrilling victories and fights in recent years. “The Diamond” has fought a who’s who during his current lightweight run, beginning in 2015 and established himself as one of MMA’s best to never win an undisputed title (as of yet). The journey to said opportunities has been must-see, however, and one of his all-time best encounters came against Justin Gaethje.

Gaethje’s 2018 fourth-round TKO loss to Poirier acted as a real turning point for “The Highlight,” leading him to a 6-2 record since with his lone defeats coming against former champions Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. Aside from his last two successful wars against Michael Chandler and most recently Rafael Fiziev this past weekend at UFC 286, Gaethje has been putting on masterclasses and wants redemption against Poirier.

“It’s a fight that makes me nervous,” Poirier told FanSided MMA of a Gaethje rematch. “When I hear a name and I get nervous it’s motivation — same thing with Chandler. When I heard Chandler’s name when they called me with Michael Chandler, I was nervous because I knew the dangers of those kinds of fights and that’s what motivates me.

“Same thing with Justin. If they do call me and he’s the name that they say, maybe it happens. We’ll see.”

Continuing to bask in the glory of his triumphant third-round rear-naked choke submission of Chandler at UFC 281 this past November, Poirier is still awaiting a call from the UFC regarding what’s next. “The Diamond” is happy and content on the sidelines right now, but does want to be more active than just fighting once per year — something he’s only done twice in his 14-fight career in 2020 and 2022.

A summer return would be ideal for the 34-year-old Poirier no matter the opponent. In his perfect dream scenario, the Louisiana native would get to fight at home for only the second time in his UFC career.

“That was a suggestion,” Poirier said of his recent tweet about a possible UFC New Orleans event. “Come back to Louisiana. Let’s go to the city, let’s throw some hands.

“I’ve only fought for the UFC once in New Orleans. Last time they were there was like 2015 [when I fought Yancy Medeiros]. But I’m a businessman and we’ll see what kind of pay-per-view opportunities we have.”

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Understanding. Michael Bisping reponds to Justin Gaethje’s accusation of bias commentary: ‘Justin’s just being a loyal friend’

Defense. Alexa Grasso targets September rematch with Valentina Shevchenko, hopefully in Mexico

Rankings. Who won the month — Jon Jones, Alexa Grasso, or Leon Edwards?

Doubt. Arnold Allen scoffs at suggestion that Max Holloway is ‘washed up’

Crossover. Racing champion Max Wilson explains how martial arts training helped driving career

Onward. Larissa Pacheco won’t wait for Kayla Harrison, sets price for non-season PFL fight in 2023

Trouble. Kyler Phillips, Darrius Flowers get temporary bans from NAC after positive drug tests for ostarine

MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck chats with Colby Covington.

Vera vs. Sandhagen hype.

Maycee Barber’s UFC debut.

RIZIN’s best of 2022.

Diary: Jessica Delboni.

Adesanya’s UFC 287 fight camp.

Ngannou watches UFC 286.

Cooking with Volk.

Heck of a Morning. MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck discusses the UFC 286 aftermath, Leon Edwards retaining, and Colby Covington being next.

Check.

Highlight.

Lol, what.

Let them fight.

Billy chimes in.

As does Gerald.

KKF.

Training begins.

If Poirier and Gaethje only fought each other for the rest of their careers, I would not complain.

This morning we re-introduce morning music! Bash my tastes at your leisure! Thanks as always for reading. Spread positivity and good vibes, and check in on each other, friends.

If you find something you’d like to see in the Morning Report, hit up @DrakeRiggs_ on Twitter and let him know about it. Also, follow MMAFighting on Instagram and like us on Facebook.