Justin Gaethje isn’t ruling out Benoit Saint-Denis’ chances against Dustin Poirier.
Rising contender Saint-Denis (13-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) drew former interim lightweight champion Poirier (29-8 MMA, 21-7 UFC) for a five-round co-main event at UFC 299 on March 9 from Kaseya Center in Miami.
Gaethje can relate to Poirier taking a dangerous fight in Saint-Denis. He recently had to take on rising contender Rafael Fiziev, and “The Highlight” was able to snap his winning streak in a close fight at UFC 286.
“It’s such a crazy sport,” Gaethje told Kevin Iole. “I think luck, and chance is a factor. I’m not sure how big of a factor, so I absolutely believe that he (Saint-Denis) could (win). His skill is up there. It’s a very similar situation to when I fought Fiziev. A young up-and-comer, obviously full of confidence, full of hunger, not sleeping on silk sheets yet.
“Poirier is, I was, and these guys are dangerous. They’re young, they’re hungry, they’re confident, they got crazy skills. Fighting is a dangerous game, and chance is a factor.”
Poirier is coming off a knockout loss to Gaethje in their BMF title fight at UFC 291 in July. Despite losing two of his past three, “The Diamond” has been competing against elite-level competition throughout the majority of his career.
Saint-Denis called out both Gaethje and Poirier after he knocked out Matt Frevola at UFC 295. His bold challenges paid off, and Gaethje praised him for shooting his shot.
“Benoit didn’t come out of nowhere, but he’s just starting to fight these big fights,” Gaethje said. “I love that he was calling me out, and I think Dustin Poirier is the perfect fight. That’s who he should have been calling out, and that’s the fight he should be taking.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 299.
