Looks like the rumblings are true, as UFC president Dana White confirmed on FOX Sports 1 earlier today (Fri., Jan. 19, 2018) that Justin Gaethje will take on Dustin Poirier at UFC on FOX 29 on April 14 at a location to be determined.
The bout, which will serve as the main event, was originally reported by MMAjunkie and then later confirmed by MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani.
Gaethje, 29, is coming off a tough knockout defeat to former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez back at UFC 218. Despite the loss, “Highlight” remains one of the most popular fighters at 155 pounds and a contender that is more than capable of turning any fight, especially a main event one, into an all-out brawl. It will be the first time fight fans get to see Gaethje compete after a loss.
Poirier, also 29, is coming off a spectacular TKO victory over former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis back at UFC Fight Night 120. “Diamond” has been lobbying hard for a rematch with Alvarez after their UFC 211 meeting resulted in a no contest (illegal knees by Alvarez), but he will have to settle for the next best thing. A stellar main event win over Gaethje could land Poirier on the doorstep of a lightweight title shot heading into 2019.
As of now, no other bouts have been announced for UFC on FOX 29.
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