Justin Gaethje Says Charles Oliveira Imitated Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Tactics to Beat Dustin Poirier

Justin Gaethje, the number one UFC lightweight contender, breaks down Charles Oliveira vs Dustin Poirier.

‘The Diamond’ took on ‘Do Bronx’ in the main event of UFC 269. This was Poirier’s second shot at the UFC lightweight title. Previously, the Louisiana native suffered a defeat in the title against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 242.

‘The Eagle’ took the former interim champion to the mat and caught him in a vicious Rear Naked Choke. ‘The Diamond’ submitted in the third round of the fight.

Similarly, the Brazilian champion also caught Poirier in a Rear Naked Choke to end the fight in the third round. Hence, in a recent interview with ESPN MMA, Gaethje compared the fights and gave his thoughts on Poirier’s loss.

He said, “I think he was better. I think he is better right now. More hungry, saying more specifically that’s such a huge factor. And then the confidence the fact that the belt is around his waist.”

“He’s representing Brazil on that level. It just makes this man that much harder to beat and I think that was a big piece of it. I think I am not sure, the pressure that nobody really gives Oliveira the credit that he puts on people. Similar to how Khabib made me tired and makes people tired by making them fight off that back foot.”

WATCH THIS STORY: 5 MMA Rules Jon Jones Broke Multiple Times in the UFC

“I think Dustin was fighting off that back foot much more than he ever expected. Combined with the fact that he hurt him and had to try to finish him in that first round, maybe punch him out a little bit. I think he probably got exhausted and then had no chance of those grappling situations. That’s what I think.”

Justin Gaethje Is Next in Line for the Lightweight Title

‘The Highlight’ is one of the most prominent names in the lightweight division of UFC. he became the interim champion by defeating Tony Ferguson at UFC 249. Unfortunately, he lost the 155lbs title fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Interestingly, ‘The Highlight’ will soon have his second shot at the lightweight gold. he is fresh from his win over Michael Chandler at UFC 268. Both the fighters delivered one of the best performances inside the UFC octagon.

ALSO READ: “Jump in and Swim” – Dana White Posts a Strong Message for His Followers

Hence, after Poirier’s defeat, ‘The Highlight’ has ranked up and stands number one on the lightweight roster. Previously, the Dagestan native Islam Makhachev was also in the title fight picture. However, he is now set to take on Beneil Dariush.

Also, many people, including the UFC president Dana White, believe that Gaethje is a worthy prospect for the lightweight title next. Hence, the fans might soon see a clash between Oliveira and Gaethje for the lightweight gold.

What are your thoughts on Justin Gaethje’s words? Are you excited about his title fight? Let us know in the comments below.