The Similarities Between Poirier & Gaethje Ahead Of UFC 291

The main event of UFC 291 will see two of the most exciting fighters in the UFC, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, square off for the BMF belt at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City this weekend. They share a remarkable number of similarities that have shaped their careers and earned them respect and admiration from fans around the world. In this article, we look at the similarities between Poirier and Gaethje and their extraordinary journey in the UFC ahead of their much-anticipated rematch at UFC 291.

Age and Championship Success

At 34 years old, Poirier and Gaethje are in their primes and showcased their prowess inside the Octagon. Both fighters have held the Lightweight interim championship at some point in their careers, solidifying their positions as elite contenders in the talent-rich division. Their paths to the interim title might have been different, but their determination and perseverance were evident in every step they took.

Poirier beat Max Holloway by decision at UFC 236 in 2019 to win the interim title, while Gaethje won it with an impressive win over Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 in 2020.

Shared Title Losses

Interestingly, Poirier and Gaethje have experienced similar setbacks in their careers. Both fighters have fought for the undisputed lightweight belt twice and suffered losses at the hands of the same opponents (Khabib Nurmagomedov & Charles Oliveira) via submission.

Name Length

An unusual coincidence, both Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje share the same number of letters in their names (13). While this may be a mere quirk, it adds to the mystique of their intriguing connection.

Victory Over Michael Chandler

One of the most significant parallels in their careers is their victories over Michael Chandler. Chandler, a formidable force in the lightweight division, lost to Gaethje via unanimous decision at UFC 268 in what was one of the most entertaining fights in the promotion’s history.

Dustin Poirier, on the other hand, recently submitted Chandler via rear naked choke at UFC 281 last year, in what was another entertaining fight.

Post-Fight Record

Following their memorable encounter in 2018, Poirier and Gaethje continued their careers with remarkable consistency. Both fighters went 6-2 in the UFC after their clash, with four finishes and two decisions apiece. This symmetry showcases their ability to maintain a high level of performance even after facing each other, proving that their skills complement each other and contribute to the continued growth of their careers.