UFC 291 live results and analysis: Poirier vs. Gaethje 2

The BMF title is again.

Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, two of probably the most thrilling motion fighters in MMA, will struggle for the symbolic belt Saturday in the principle occasion of UFC 291 in Salt Lake Metropolis. The primary BMF title was gained by Jorge Masvidal in 2019 after a victory over Nate Diaz at Madison Sq. Backyard. The belt identify, abbreviated for “baddest motherf—er,” represents fighters who depart all of it within the Octagon.

Poirier vs. Gaethje has added stakes, too. The winner will probably be in pole place for a light-weight title shot following Islam Makhachev’s protection in opposition to Charles Oliveira at UFC 294 in October. ESPN ranks Gaethje No. 4 and Poirier No. 5 on the planet at light-weight. Poirier can be ranked No. 10 on ESPN’s pound-for-pound checklist. Each Poirier and Gaethje are former interim UFC light-weight champions. The 2 fought in 2018 in among the best fights of that yr that resulted in Poirier profitable by fourth-round TKO.

Poirier (29-7, 1 NC) is coming off a third-round submission win over Michael Chandler at UFC 281 final November. The Louisiana native has gained 4 of his previous 5 fights, together with a pair of finishes of Conor McGregor throughout that stretch. Poirier, 34, is tied with Drew Dober for probably the most knockouts in UFC light-weight historical past (8).

Gaethje (24-4) most lately beat Rafael Fiziev through break up resolution at UFC 286 in March. The Arizona native, who fights out of Colorado, has gained six of his previous eight. Gaethje, 34, is a former WSOF light-weight champion. Nicknamed “The Spotlight,” he has amassed fairly the reel within the UFC and has landed the second-most vital strikes per minute in UFC light-weight historical past (7.38).

Within the co-main occasion, former UFC mild heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz and former UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira will conflict in a lightweight heavyweight contender bout. Pereira is shifting up after dropping the middleweight belt in a rematch with rival Israel Adesanya at UFC 287 in April. Blachowicz vs. Pereira is very related since mild heavyweight has no champion. Jamahal Hill needed to vacate after rupturing his Achilles earlier this month.

Additionally on the cardboard, light-weight veterans Tony Ferguson and Bobby Inexperienced will face off in a grudge match and Michael Chiesa takes on Kevin Holland in a welterweight contender matchup.

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