Dustin Poirier has expressed willingness to return to the UFC if offered a trilogy matchup against Justin Gaethje. Although Poirier retired from mixed martial arts in July 2025, he indicated that a third fight with Gaethje, the current interim UFC lightweight champion, would motivate him to come back into the octagon.
The two fighters first clashed in 2018, when Poirier stunned Gaethje with a powerful left hand and finished the fight with a series of punches. Five years later, at UFC 291 in Salt Lake City, Gaethje avenged this loss by knocking out Poirier with a precise head kick in the second round of their main event.
Background on Their Previous Encounters and Career Moves
Gaethje was initially considered as Poirier’s final opponent at UFC 318 last year, but the UFC instead arranged for Poirier to fight Max Holloway for the BMF title. Before the bout with Holloway took place, Poirier announced his retirement, a decision that drew criticism from UFC lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett ahead of Pimblett’s own fight against Gaethje.
Despite stepping away, the 37-year-old fighter recently confirmed via Instagram that he would return specifically to face Gaethje once more.
I’ll come back for that one,
Poirier wrote in reply to a fan requesting his return for the trilogy fight with Gaethje.
Upcoming Fights and Title Situation Impacting a Trilogy Fight
Currently, Gaethje is preparing for a shot at the undisputed lightweight title against Ilia Topuria. However, Topuria is on a temporary hiatus due to personal reasons. This break led to the booking of an interim title fight between Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, who recently defeated Pimblett at UFC 324.
Topuria is expected to resume competition in the coming months to defend the lightweight championship he earned by knocking out former champion Charles Oliveira.
Shortly after UFC 324, Topuria issued a warning to Gaethje:
I’d like to tell you to get ready, but you’re screwed no matter what,
Topuria wrote on X.
Prospects for a Poirier-Gaethje Trilogy and Its Timing
While a third Poirier vs. Gaethje bout is not currently imminent, the possibility remains plausible if Gaethje defeats Topuria and defends the belt against top contender Arman Tsarukyan. Such circumstances would create an opening for the trilogy fight to take place.
The potential matchup would also align well with the UFC’s upcoming event at the White House, as both Poirier and Gaethje are American fighters who could provide a significant attraction for the show.
