UFC 291 Headliner: Poirier vs. Gaethje – A War for the BMF Belt and Lightweight Title Shot

Posted on by Prathy Dey

UFC 291 Headliner: Poirier vs. Gaethje – A War for the BMF Belt and Lightweight Title Shot

As the highly anticipated UFC 291 event approaches, all eyes are on the headlining clash between Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier and Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje. Poirier recently stated that if their bout goes the full five rounds, both fighters might find themselves in the hospital due to the intense damage they can inflict. Gaethje agreed, acknowledging their reputation for creating significant damage in the Octagon. With the winner potentially setting up a title match, the stakes are incredibly high, and both fighters are eager to seize this opportunity. Additionally, the coveted BMF belt is on the line, adding even more allure to this thrilling showdown.

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The BMF Belt

For Poirier and Gaethje, the BMF belt represents more than just a title; it’s a symbol of their legacy in the sport. Poirier’s wife even proclaimed it as a crucial part of his career, something he can proudly display on his mantle when he retires from the sport. The BMF belt will be awarded to the winner of Saturday’s fight, adding an extra layer of prestige to an already high-stakes matchup.

A Unique Main Event

UFC 291 will not feature a traditional championship bout, but the presence of the BMF belt brings its own excitement to the card. While pay-per-view events typically showcase championship fights, the BMF belt’s inclusion ensures that the night will be filled with action, drama, and fierce competition.

The Rematch: A Different Chapter

Poirier and Gaethje have crossed paths before, but their first encounter took place five years ago. Both fighters acknowledge that they have evolved significantly as fighters and individuals since then, making it challenging to draw concrete conclusions from their initial bout. Nevertheless, they expect the same level of thrilling action in the rematch, just as their first meeting helped propel Poirier toward his shot at the lightweight belt.

A Shared Journey to Redemption

The path to redemption has been a shared experience for both fighters. Poirier secured the lightweight belt, only to lose it in his subsequent match, fueling his determination to reclaim the championship ever since. Similarly, Gaethje also held the lightweight crown but faced the same fate of losing it in his next fight. Their journeys have led them back to each other, setting the stage for this momentous rematch.

Fate or Coincidence?

Ironically, when Poirier and Gaethje watched a UFC fight card together in Las Vegas after their first meeting, they both agreed that they did not want to endure the agony of facing each other again. The idea of a rematch didn’t even cross Poirier’s mind until it was proposed a couple of months ago. Nevertheless, with hindsight, he realized that the rematch made perfect sense, given their current rankings and the potential title implications.

Preparation for Battle

With both fighters accepting the brutal nature of this fight, they have been diligently preparing for a challenging five-round encounter. Gaethje aims for a technical approach, but he’s also willing to engage in a fierce battle if necessary. Recognizing Gaethje’s aura of violence, Poirier knows that he is just as dangerous, and he is ready to meet that intensity head-on.

Co-Main Event: A Clash of Former Champions

In the co-main event, third-ranked light heavyweight Jan Blachowicz from Warsaw, Poland, will face second-ranked middleweight Alex Pereira, who hails from Danbury, Connecticut. Both fighters are former champions in their respective divisions, adding another thrilling aspect to the event.