Justin Gaethje isn’t happy with how the UFC lightweight division’s title opportunities are shaping up. Gaethje is set to take on Max Holloway for the BMF title at the historic UFC 300 card in April. However, with Dustin Poirier’s stunning performance at UFC 299, there has been a growing dialogue around ‘The Diamond’ deserving the next shot at champion, Islam Makhachev.

As such, speaking on his YouTube channel, UFC veteran and commentator, Michael Bisping revealed that Poirier may find himself in the mix for the title next. But his comments haven’t sat well with Gaethje who responded bluntly on social media to the scenario put forth by ‘The Count’!

Justin Gaethje shuts down the claim about the next UFC LW title challenger

Dustin Poirier returned to the Octagon at UFC 299 after suffering a devastating knockout-out loss to Justin Gaethje in 2023, in their BMF title clash. And going into his fight against Benoit Saint-Denis, many were concerned about the Louisiana native’s chances in the fight against a dangerous prospect like Saint-Denis.

But with an impressive second-round finish of the Frenchman, Poirier shut down any concerns and highlighted what has kept him at the top of the 155 lbs division for so long. As such, speaking on his YouTube channel, Michael Bisping stated, “Dana always says let’s see how these fights play out because if somebody goes out there and gets a big victory, sets the arena on fire the way Dustin did, that can put you at the front of the line.”

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He then went on to reveal that there’s a possibility that Ali Abdelaziz, Islam Makhachev’s manager, has already made it clear that their camp wants to take on Poirier next. Bisping went on to state, “I’m sure that if you’re Islam Makhachev and you watched that fight, that kind of challenge excites you.”

The UFC veteran then concluded by saying, “Maybe the winner of [Charles] Oliveira vs [Arman] Tsarukyan fights Justin Gaethje, but I’m telling you right now don’t be surprised if they make [Poirier vs Makhachev]. Dustin Poirier deserves it, and at his age he’s running out of opportunities.”

However, Justin Gaethje, responded in the comments by stating, “@michaelbisping talking boll*cks”, highlighting his disagreement with the claims made by Bisping. As evidenced by Gaethje’s disagreement with Bisping’s analysis, the lightweight division is shaping up with multiple contenders vying for a shot at the title and everyone making their claim to take on the champ next.

Justin Gaethje Fires Off at Dana White & Co. for Refusing Him the Islam Makhachev Fight

But it’s not just Gaethje who doesn’t agree with the proposed matchup as a former UFC lightweight champion also highlighted his issues with the UFC’s decisions recently!

‘The Eagle’ slams the UFC for questionable matchmaking choices  

Khabib Nurmagomedov has questioned the UFC’s decisions ahead of UFC 300! One of the most anticipated fights of the night will be between Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway for the BMF title. But speaking with MMA Junkie, Nurmagomedov, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev’s friend and training partner, highlighted his confusion with the decisions with the matchmaking in the promotion.

He stated, “I don’t understand. It makes no sense why they don’t give Islam Justin Gaethje. Why they make him fight vs. Holloway?”

‘The Eagle’ also emphasized that he believes Max Holloway should have faced Ilia Topuria next, instead of the fight against Gaethje. Nurmagomedov’s sentiments echo those of some fans who are uncertain about what these matchups mean for Makhachev.

The recent featherweight title claim by Topuria also adds further complexity to the situation. In conclusion, while Nurmagomedov is unsure about the UFC’s plans, he asserted that Makhachev is “ready to fight with anybody.”

What do you think about the lightweight title picture in the UFC? And is Dustin Poirier the next in line for a title shot instead of Justin Gaethje? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 

UFC 300 Could Be the End for Justin Gaethje as Max Holloway’s Unexpected Move Leaves BMF’s Islam Makhachev Ambitions Hanging