UFC 291: Dustin Poirier gears up to fight Justin Gaethje for the BMF title
After their first meeting in the Octagon that turned into an instant classic, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje are set to face each other in a rematch for the BMF title at UFC 291.
There are very few fighters willing to fight Gaethje again, as many either crumble from the constant pressure and barrage of punches or do not want to experience the deadly calf kick. However, Poirier is not one of those fighters. Living up to his nickname ‘The Diamond’, he accepted a rematch with Gathje for the BMF title in the main event of UFC 291. The fight would be their second in the Octagon, as their first had ended in a stoppage and Poirier emerged victorious. In the fourth round.
The BMF title was put back on the line after defending champion Jorge Masvidal hung up his gloves after the latter’s loss to Gilbert Burns.
In a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, ‘The Diamond’ discussed his upcoming title fight as well as potential opponents in the division. He also reflected on why he took the rematch against a potential contender in the division.
When asked why he decided to fight one of his division’s toughest challenges for a second time. “Because I need to, that’s where I do my best. That’s where I’m most inspired. That’s where I learn the most about myself and combat sports. That’s where the greatness is, man, that’s where I live,” he said. And that’s what I try to do, put myself in that fire. And this is one of the fights that does it.
“If this fight doesn’t get you excited, then you are not a fan of war sports. Shut down YouTube and stop watching this show right now, because this fight is what I’m going to take my ‘war’ hat up to.” I am.” I know what I’m about to do, it’s a head-to-head and I’m not backing down. This is the fight and this is what I want. Poirier added.
The lightweight brawlers are set to face each other for the BMF title on July 29 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Former Light Heavyweight Champion Jan Blakowicz will take on former Middleweight Champion Alex Pereira in the co-main event of the PPV card.