On May 13th, UFC 211 was giving us one of the most exciting fights of the year to date. Former lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez faced Dustin Poirier and fireworks emerged. ‘The Diamond’ was ready to go to war that night and was making Alvarez wobble left and right early on the fight. Eddie survived and landed some power shots of his own and it looked like it was going to be a straight up brawl. It all came crashing down when Alvarez landed some illegal knees to Poirier’s head while he was grounded and Dustin couldn’t continue.
In the end, the fight was ruled a No Contest and both men agreed to a rematch during their octagon interview. While the crowd was booing Alvarez, Dustin stepped in and demanded respect for Eddie. Everything seemed set to work out just fine, but then it didn’t.
A couple weeks ago Dustin tweeted Alvarez asking about the rematch and Eddie replied in arrogant fashion. The fighters exchanged barbs but no rematch was agreed.
I'm going to Fuck you up Edward!
To throw illegal shots that changed the outcome of the fight and then talk shit after your a hoe!— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) June 21, 2017
Would have been nice if you gave it back legally! Let's fight
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) June 21, 2017
Today Eddie Alvarez entertained the possibility of fighting UFC newcomer Justin ‘The Highlight’ Gaethje. Alvarez went on Twitter and stated he was considering the rematch against Dustin, but that maybe a fight against Gaethje would be a better option. Poirier replied a few hours later.
Throw illegal knees to get out now Dodge the rematch great job CHAMP
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) July 11, 2017
Undeniably a bout between Gaethje and Alvarez would be one hell of a fight, but it kind of feels like Eddie should face Dustin again first, doesn’t it? After watching them go at it in Dallas, fans would definitely pay to watch the rematch. Additionally it could be argued that Dustin was winning the fight before the whole knee incident went down. Maybe the rankings could favor Justin Gaethje as he has been granted #6 after beating Michael Johnson in his debut, but Poirier’s performance at UFC 211 surely earned him another crack at #3 Eddie Alvarez.
