Dustin Poirier’s most recent showing reminded the world he’s still a player at lightweight.
Back in November, the former interim champion submitted Michael Chandler in a thrilling war on the main card of UFC 281. Poirier had to survive big shots and the wrestling of the former Bellator champion before he could turn the fight around, take Chandler’s back and submit him with a rear-naked choke. It was an impressive comeback.
You can watch Poirier’s win over Chandler in the video above.
Poirier returns this weekend in the main event of UFC 291 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City. He takes on Justin Gaethje in a highly anticipated rematch for the BMF title, which was previously held by Jorge Masvidal.
Poirier (29-7 MMA, 21-6 UFC) is 6-2 since defeating Gaethje. Both of Poirier’s losses came to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira in title fights.
Gaethje (24-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC) is coming off a majority decision win over Rafael Fiziev in March at UFC 286. He’s also 6-2 since fighting Poirier in 2018 with the two losses also being against Nurmagomedov and Oliveira in UFC title fights.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 291.
