Justin Gaethje says he respects Conor McGregor’s abilities, but admits that he enjoyed his defeat against Dustin Poirier.
McGregor (22-5 MMA, 10-3 UFC) suffered a TKO loss in the second round against Poirier in the UFC 257 main event, giving an interesting twist to the image of the promotion’s lightweight title.
Gaethje (22-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC), who has campaigned to face McGregor in the past, could not help but rejoice to see McGregor go down and did not hold back his feelings for ” The Notorious ”when McGregor’s result and subsequent appeal for an immediate trilogy fight with Poirier was addressed.
“I think he’s an elite fighter,” Gaethje told ESPN recently. “What made him rank at six?” I think he should be ahead of Tony (Ferguson) in the standings. But for him to come out and say he wants a title shot still, a rematch against Poirier and his coach, are idiots (expletives). He was treated especially many times and did not take advantage of this opportunity. The event was for him. The event was for him to win and he wants to be Mr. Humble now, but you know he would be an (expletive) if he won that fight.
“So I don’t feel bad for him. I’m glad for Poirier. I’m glad Poirier went out there and did his job and finished it. I like to see a loud mouth being removed. There is nothing to make me happier. Seeing a piece of (expletively) put down, it was wonderful. I liked “.
According to SBG Ireland chief John Kavanagh, McGregor has expressed a desire to complete the trilogy with Poirier and it seems that Poirier is responding to the same sentiments.
But if the UFC really goes in that direction, Gaethje says he would be absolutely outraged.
“I would think I would never fight in the UFC if he fights for a title again,” Gaethje said. “It simply came to our notice then. First of all, he is on the 6th place, he has won a fight in his whole life in the light division and he chooses and chooses who he fights with. So I don’t respect him that way. ”
Gaethje said he is interested in fighting McGregor at some point, but is not sure it should be his next booking. As Michael Chandler made his spring debut in the UFC, Charles Oliveira in the title and Poirier at the top of the standings, Gaethje is excited about the division’s future as he plans his ascent to avenge his loss. to the “Diamond”.
“It was a great weekend for us, light weight,” Gaethje said. “It simply came to our notice then. It will really make the UFC matchmakers come together and come up with some ideas. There are a lot of options – I saw that they moved Dustin in front of me in the standings, well deserved. He’s one, I’m two, Charles has three, Chandler has four. No matter what, I have to take revenge on Poirier, so I’ll get there no matter how I get there. “