Justin Gaethje defended Dustin Poirier against Paddy Pimblett‘s criticism during the UFC 324 pre-fight press conference, leading to a heated exchange that increased anticipation for their upcoming fight.
Intense rivalries make for unexpected alliances. Just ask Justin Gaethje, who found himself defending former opponent Dustin Poirier from Paddy Pimblett’s jabs.
The drama unfolded at the UFC 324 pre-fight press conference. Gaethje was asked about Pimblett’s trash talk, which promised a beating like no other. Gaethje, however, thrives on such banter, though he doesn’t appreciate Pimblett’s disrespect toward accomplished fighters like Poirier.
“I love it,” Gaethje remarked, referring to Pimblett’s bravado. “He sounds overconfident. Disrespecting legends? I’m gonna dog walk this English f*ck on Saturday. Watch.”
Pimblett, on the other hand, admitted there’s no love lost with Poirier. He claimed his comments were just an honest critique of Poirier’s last fight against Max Holloway.
“Dustin’s never had a nice word for me,” Pimblett said. “I just said he looked like shit against Holloway. F*cking hell.”
Gaethje, who also faced Holloway, doubts Pimblett would fare better. “You’d look like shit too,” he fired back. “You won’t be fighting him.”
Pimblett disagreed, eyeing Holloway as a future opponent, especially with UFC lightweight champ Ilia Topuria sidelined. “We’ll see once I beat you,” he told Gaethje. “I could end up fighting him.”
What began as a cordial lead-up to UFC 324 has spiraled into a war of words. The anticipation for Saturday’s main event is now through the roof.