UFC 291 are living effects and research: Poirier vs. Gaethje 2

The BMF identify is again.

Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, two of essentially the most thrilling motion opponents in MMA, will combat for the symbolic belt Saturday in the primary tournament of UFC 291 in Salt Puddle Town. The primary BMF identify used to be gained by way of Jorge Masvidal in 2019 then a victory over Nate Diaz at Madison Sq. Field. The belt title, abbreviated for “baddest motherf—er,” represents opponents who shed all of it within the Octagon.

Poirier vs. Gaethje has added stakes, too. The winner will likely be in pole place for a light-weight identify shot following Islam Makhachev‘s protection in opposition to Charles Oliveira at UFC 294 in October. ESPN ranks Gaethje Negative. 4 and Poirier Negative. 5 on this planet at light-weight. Poirier could also be ranked Negative. 10 on ESPN’s pound-for-pound listing. Each Poirier and Gaethje are former intervening time UFC light-weight champions. The 2 fought in 2018 in one of the vital very best fights of that day that led to Poirier successful by way of fourth-round TKO.

Poirier (29-7, 1 NC) is coming off a third-round submission win over Michael Chandler at UFC 281 latter November. The Louisiana local has gained 4 of his hour 5 fights, together with a couple of finishes of Conor McGregor all the way through that extend. Poirier, 34, is fix with Drew Dober for essentially the most knockouts in UFC light-weight historical past (8).

Gaethje (24-4) maximum just lately beat Rafael Fiziev by way of fracture determination at UFC 286 in March. The Arizona local, who fights out of Colorado, has gained six of his hour 8. Gaethje, 34, is a former WSOF light-weight champion. Nicknamed “The Highlight,” he has accumulated fairly the reel within the UFC and has landed the second-most important moves in line with slight in UFC light-weight historical past (7.38).

Within the co-main tournament, former UFC sunny heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz and previous UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira will crash in a sunny heavyweight contender bout. Pereira is transferring up then losing the middleweight belt in a rematch with rival Israel Adesanya at UFC 287 in April. Blachowicz vs. Pereira is particularly related since sunny heavyweight has deny champion. Jamahal Hill needed to abandon then rupturing his Achilles previous this generation.

Additionally at the card, light-weight veterans Tony Ferguson and Bobby Green will face off in a grudge fit and Michael Chiesa takes on Kevin Holland in a welterweight contender matchup.

Apply alongside as Brett Okamoto and Marc Raimondi recap the entire motion from cageside or watch the fights on ESPN+ PPV.