One man who wasn’t upset to see Conor McGregor suffer the first knockout loss of his career at UFC 257 was Justin Gaethje.
Dustin Poirier’s knockout win over Conor McGregor last weekend at UFC 257 left Justin Gaethje with a smile on his face.
The former two-weight champion McGregor suffered the second defeat of his last three fights when Poirier knocked him out at UFC 257 in Abu Dhabi. Gaethje and McGregor have had their fair share of back and forths in the past, with the Irishman once even threatening to put Gaethje’s “teeth on a f—ing necklace.”
Talking recently to ESPN, Gaethje praised McGregor for his abilities but laughed off calls from his camp for another shot at the title.
“I think he’s an elite fighter,” Gaethje said. “What do that have him ranked at, six? I think he should be ahead of Tony (Ferguson) in the rankings. But for him to come out and say he wants a title shot next, a rematch versus Poirier, or his coach, they are f-cking idiots. He’s been treated special over and over and over and he didn’t capitalize on this opportunity. That event was for him, that event was for him to win, and he wants to be Mr. Humble now but you know he would be an asshole if he won that fight.” (Transcription via MMA Fighting)
Gaethje, 32, hasn’t fought since his four-fight winning streak was snapped by Khabib Nurmagomedov last October. With the Russian’s lightweight title now vacant, it’s almost a given Poirier will fight Charles Oliveira or Michael Chandler for the belt next. “The Highlight” continued his praise of Poirier’s recent win.
“I don’t feel bad for him. I’m happy for Poirier. I’m happy Poirier went out there and did his job and finished him. I love seeing a loudmouth get knocked out. There is nothing that makes me happier. Seeing a piece of sh-t get put down, that was great, I loved it.”