Dustin Poirier disagrees with Justin Gaethje and praises Charles from the Bronx: 'he showed the mentality of a champion'

D.Poirier fighting for the UFC. Photo/Reproduction: Instagram

The UFC's lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) is not just about attacks and “trash talk”. After Justin Gaethje attacks champion Charles do Bronx and calls him a “quitter”, Dustin poirier came to the Brazilian’s defense.

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In an interview with the North American website MMAFighting.com, Dustin poirier, who should be the first challenger for the Charles of the Bronx, disagreed with the comments made by Gaethje and praised the Brazilian's stance in the fight in which he won the title, against Michael chandler, UFC 262.

“I've seen Charles in several fights. He's had several fights at a high level, so I've actually seen him 'double up' in fights in the past. But I also saw him grow and show himself in adversity. If he was a quitter, he had the chance to quit when Chandler hurt him, but he came back and finished him off. That's what they say: your last fight and your next fight are the most important. The guy showed a champion's mentality, a champion's effort, got hurt, gathered his strength and knocked the guy out. He didn’t give up that night,” analyzed Poirier.

Although the duel has not yet been officially announced by Ultimate, Charles of the Bronx should defend the lightweight title for the first time in UFC 269, in December, precisely against Dustin poirier. The North American praised the Brazilian's resilience on the journey to the title and said he sees himself in the same situation.

“Charles Oliveira had a difficult path, just like me. He gritted his teeth, he bled, but he found a way to become world champion, and that's what he is, without a doubt. I see a lot of hate being distributed online and it will never stop, but the guy deserved what he got. It's inspiring to see guys like Michael Bisping e Charles of the Bronx. If I get the belt, I'll put myself in the same category. Guys who got knocked out and climbed back to the top. Respect. I don’t know him personally, but I respect his journey to become champion”, concluded Poirier.