UFC 313 behind-the-scenes explained: Dustin Poirier reveals call to Hunter Campbell to save PPV card

Veteran UFC 155lber Dustin Poirier shoots down Justin Gaethje bout he passed on UFC 313 PPV co-main event offer for a trilogy.

UFC 313 behind-the-scenes explained: Dustin Poirier reveals call to Hunter Campbell to save PPV card

Dustin Poirier denies turning down UFC 313 offer (Source: X)

Lightweight superstar Justin Gaethje outed numerous UFC 155-pound peers for seemingly turning down a last-minute fight with him at UFC 313. Rafael Fiziev finally drew the “Highlight” at the March 8 PPV co-main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Per Gaethje. veteran lightweight Dustin Poirier was an option before that.

After Dan Hooker pulled out of the co-main event on March 8 due to injury, Gaethje needed a new opponent. Rafael Fiziev, Renato Moicano, and Mateusz Gamrot were on offer as replacements. Justin Gaethje said “Money” Moicano got the call but refused. He also clarified that Arman Tsarukyan was gunning for catchweight limits. “Diamond,” though outright denied saying no.

I never got the call, I didn’t say no …[different tweet] I’m the one who reached out to them when I read the news. Ask hunter, all respect to you and fizeav, looking forward to this one again.

Dustin Poirier via X (@DustinPoirier)
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Dustin Poirier is fresh off a failed title bid, where he lost to Islam Makhachev at the UFC 302 main event. Ever since, the Layfette native has contemplated one last fight before hanging it up. Justin Gaethje and Poirier have met in the past in high-octane action. After losing to “The Diamond” via technical knockout at UFC on FOX 29, Gaethje avenged his loss by halting Poirier at UFC 291 a few years later.

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With the foe now going up against UFC 286 PPV lineup rival Rafael Fiziev in a rematch, Dustin Poirier is yet again without an opponent. He even explained calling up CBO/Head Litigator Hunter Campbell to offer up his services for UFC 313. However, Gaethje later explained his side of it in another tweet.

Justin Gaethje claririfes comments on Dustin poirier

Poirier hasn’t been in active participation since his lightweight PPV title loss at UFC 302 last June. The 36-year-old flirted with retiring before confirming he would return to fight in the UFC for one last time. The former interim lightweight champ is making to work in his home state of Louisiana, in front of a home crowd.

Justin Gaethje replies to Dustin Poirier
Justin Gaethje replies to Dustin Poirier (Source: X)

UFC hasn’t held an event in Louisiana since Dan Henderson defeated Tim Boestch in a Fight Night headlining event in June 2015. Consequently, there are talks that Louisiana State Boxing & Wrestling Commission is arranging for such a stuff.

When”Highlight” thumped his chances to win the BMF sliver strap, Dustin Poirier did campaign for a trilogy. However, later on, he said he wouldn’t chase it and doused himself the better fighter. A trilogy is something some fans are still keen on. Justin Gaethje said he did not mean to offend the two-time rival but rather just said it out loud who all did not get to fight him, in the heat of the moment.

I was just running back the crazy 48hrs I went through. I was not trying to imply any of you guys would not fight me. Arman was too heavy, same with Charles. UFC obviously has plans for you at a later date so they said that’s a no go.

Justin Gaethe replied via X

Now, the rest of the division awaits their matchups after Gaethje’s tweet. First, Fiziev gets a chance to avenge his majority decision loss to the American fighter at UFC 286. He has only competed once since, losing via TKO to Mateusz Gamrot in September 2023. This was due to injury when he suffered a torn ACL in the middle of the fight. Other lightweights will soon get their marching orders as well.

Related: Islam Makhachev revisits Dustin Poirier match and receiving an ever lasting ‘mark’ at UFC 302