Justin Gaethje Eyes 2022 Lightweight Title Rematch Against Dustin Poirier

Mandatory Credit: Josh Hedges - Zuffa LLC

Former interim UFC lightweight champion, Justin 'The Highlight'   envisions an undisputed lightweight title challenge in his future next year -- in the form of a re-run against expected next challenger, fellow former interim gold holder, Dustin 'The Diamond' Poirier.

Gaethje, who is expected to meet with recent vacant title challenge, former three-time Bellator lightweight best, Michael Chandler at UFC 268 on November 6th., potentially at Madison Square Garden -- laid out plans to challenge Poirier for lightweight gold next year.

Initially meeting with Lafayette favourite, Poirier in the main event of UFC Fight Night Glendale on home soil back in April of 2018 -- succumbed to strikes in the fourth round against Poirier, dropping his second straight loss before embarking on an eye-catching four-fight knockout tear.

In his last outing, Gaethje travelled to 'Fight Island' in Abu Dhabi, UAE last October for UFC 254 -- attempting to unify the lightweight titles against the since-retired, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Entering as the interim champion following a stunning fourth round knockout win over former interim titleholder, Tony Ferguson, in which he snapped the former's division-tying, 12-fight undefeated streak -- Gaethje suffered a second round triangle submission loss.

Widely expected to draw Chandler in his next outing, Gaethje predicted a championship-clinching performance for Poirier in December, who is widely expected to challenge recently minted champion, Charles Oliveira for spoils before the end of the year. Fancying himself and Poirier's chances of success against their respective foes, Gaethje envisions a lightweight title rematch against the American Top Team staple next year.

"@DustinPoirier will KO @CharlesDoBronxs (Charles Oliveira) in December," Gaethje replied to a Twitter user. "After I break @MikeChandlerMMA on November 6th. at any venue on the planet, I will get my rematch (against Poirier) and you will see a replay of the best fight that happened on earth in 2018. That's a year to look forward to."

@DustinPoirier will KO @CharlesDoBronxs in December. After I break @MikeChandlerMMA on Nov 6th at any venue on the planet, I will get my rematch and you will see a replay of the best fight that happened on earth in 2018. That’s a year to look forward to 👊 https://t.co/9kofSAzm9J

— Justin Gaethje 🇺🇸 (@Justin_Gaethje) August 11, 2021

Whilst Poirier has yet to be booked to meet with Oliveira in a lightweight title clash, his second straight victory over former undisputed featherweight and lightweight champion, Conor McGregor last month has primed him for a tilt at gold against the surging Brazilian. However, Poirier himself appeared to show his interest in a potential rescheduled grudge match against former title challenger, Nate Diaz on his official Twitter account last night -- simply posting, "Nathan".