Is it a mistake to count Justin Gaethje out ahead of his UFC White House main event against Ilia Topuria? For many, ‘The Highlight’ only has a puncher’s chance going into this undisputed lightweight title bout. But Joe Rogan seems to know better.

On the latest JRE episode, the MMA Show #176, he hosted retired UFC lightweight Dustin Poirier. Rogan kicked off the show, jokingly introducing Poirier as a light heavyweight, alluding to how much weight he has put on since retiring last year. Later, he dived in to discuss the last man who knocked out Poirier – UFC Freedom 250 headliner Justin Gaethje.

“Dude, I love Justin,” Dustin Poirier said on the Joe Rogan Experience MMA Show #176. “I love him. I’m a fan. I don’t like this [Topuria] matchup for him.”

Joe Rogan, on the other hand, believes Justin Gaethje is a fighter who should never be underestimated, regardless of how strong the opponent looks on paper.

“Well, you know what? Justin knows what he’s getting into, and it’s hard to count that dude out,” Rogan replied. “He’s such an animal. And it’s on the White House. Who knows? Who knows what’s gonna happen?”

The UFC commentator still admitted that Ilia Topuria has looked practically unstoppable lately, especially because of the strength he possesses despite not being the biggest lightweight out there on the roster. “That dude has the touch of death,” Joe Rogan added.

Poirier followed up, saying, “And he’s not a big guy. I’ve never seen him in person, but I was talking to somebody recently, and they said, No, he’s 5’7″, you know?” Rogan responded, “And, bro, he puts people into the shadow realm. It’s just technique and power and confidence. His confidence is crazy.”

Poirier might not be able to vouch for it, but his ATT stablemate Jorge Masvidal can. He said on the Jaxxon Podcast last year, “Ilia’s bones were 50 lbs heavier than everybody else. He hits like a 170-pounder.”

But with the event taking place on the South Lawn and both fighters being notorious for explosive finishes, Joe Rogan believes anything is possible, even against a champion who seems nearly unstoppable right now. But the truth is that very few people share Joe’s opinion on this one.

One of them is Paddy Pimblett, the man whom Justin Gaethje defeated to earn the interim title. Pimblett is backing Justin Gaethje to end up as the last man standing in this much-awaited clash. Why is he picking the less popular option?

Paddy Pimblett predicts a major upset in the Justin Gaethje vs. Ilia Topuria matchup

Because of their previous encounter, ‘The Baddy’ believes people underestimate how dangerous Gaethje truly is, even against a champion like Ilia Topuria. Reacting to the White House main event announcement, ‘The Baddy’ said the contest feels considerably more open than fans believe.

“Everybody’s already counting Gaethje out, and we’ve already learned that you can’t do that,” he said on his YouTube channel. “I’ve got a sneaky suspicion that Gaethje might pull off an upset here and surprise everyone, but as you know, it’s a fistfight.

“It could go either way; anyone can beat anyone, and in the White House, he’s probably going to have a bit more motivation to go out there and win.”

But sentiment has little to no chance against strategy when strategy hits like a Ford Escort. Ilia Topuria is one of the most technical fighters of the modern era, and he does not let emotions dictate his actions in the cage. He listens to his corner and sticks to his game plan. The Max Holloway fight was the perfect example.

Plus, Topuria can take it as good as he gives it. Fans online are still amazed at how he ate a clean elbow from Charles Oliveira like it was nothing. The second Topuria landed a clean two-three combination on Oliveira, the Brazilian’s lights were out. That difference in power is why Gaethje is a huge underdog heading into this fight.

Gaethje thrives in chaos. He is not afraid to throw caution to the wind and swing for the fences. But he surprised everyone in his last outing when he did not use his patented leg kicks against Pimbeltt. So, Gaethje can, if he puts his mind to it, stay disciplined. In fact, if he goes the distance without getting knocked out, it will be a moral victory in itself.

Still, the younger, more durable, harder-hitting Topuria seems like the safer bet for the White House main event. Do you agree? Let us know in the comments below.