Dustin Poirier shared his perspective on the upcoming interim UFC lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. Poirier’s insight carries weight, having fought Gaethje twice and observing what Pimblett is capable of inside the octagon.
The interim lightweight title bout headlines UFC 324, set for this Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. UFC 324 also marks the promotion’s new era on Paramount+. The winner of Gaethje vs. Pimblett will earn a title unification bout against reigning lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.
Much has been made about how the what could unfold when the two meet inside the octagon. ‘The Highlight’ enters with extensive championship fighting experience, while ‘The Baddy,’ faces the biggest test of his career.
During his appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Poirier offered his prediction for the UFC 324 main event. He said he favors Gaethje to pull off what oddsmakers consider an upset win.
Poirier cited Gaethje’s experience in grueling fights as the key advantage over Pimblett.
“I just think [Gaethje’s] been in those 25-minute fights. He’s been in dogfights before. I think Paddy is gonna have a tough time stopping him on the feet, and I don’t think Paddy’s gonna be able to get him down,” Poirier said. “Justin is just a bigger puncher and he’ll put himself in harm’s way to land one of those shots. It’s tough to stay away from that for 25-minutes.”
Dustin Poirier Predicts Justin Gaethje Finishes Paddy Pimblett
Dustin Poirier also predicted the method of victory for the UFC 324 main event between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett.
Poirier believes that Gaethje is a much better striker and that it will be on full display against Pimblett. ‘The Diamond’, who lost to Gaethje by knockout in their second bout, expects him to finish Pimblett the same way.
Poirier expressed confidence in Gaethje’s knockout potential, saying he even plans to wager money on that outcome. Now that he is retired, Poirier is allowed to wager money on fights he feels strongly about.
“Yeah, I think that Justin stops [Pimblett],” Poirier told The Ariel Helwani Show. “Every now and then [I partake in sports betting]. I’m definitely gonna partake in that [fight]. Yeah, [I’m going with Gaethje by knockout].”
Poirier Says Pimblett Winning Would Be Ideal Outcome for UFC
Poirier also discussed the business implications of the fight outcome. He noted that Pimblett would be more marketable if he won instead of Gaethje.
During his appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Poirier noted that Gaethje doesn’t have many fights left in his career. Because of that, Pimblett winning the interim lightweight champion gives the UFC more options.
“Probably [would be ideal for the UFC if Pimblett won]. Justin’s talking about retirement,” Poirier said. “Paddy’s still young and they can continue to build him. There’s a bunch of fights we haven’t seen with Paddy. So, it’s more marketable if Paddy wins [at UFC 324].”
Additionally, Pimblett already has a rivalry with lightweight champion Ilia Topruia. The two faced off in the octagon after Topuria won the title, so that unification bout could generate significant interest.
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