Dustin Poirier is set to take on Justin Gaethje in one of the biggest fights of the year. Previously, UFC President Dana White revealed the promotion’s plans, unveiling an absolutely stacked card for UFC 291. As such, we now know some more about the backstory of how the main event for UFC 291 came together.
Recently, the news of Poirier and Justin Gaethje getting a rematch was met with a lot of positive reactions. For the most part, both fighters are arguably two of the most entertaining fighters on the roster. So for them to get the opportunity to run it back, and for fans to witness that carnage again, it hardly gets any better than that.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour, Dustin revealed, “They called me to do the Ultimate Fighter, against Justin”. Further, he adds, “So we could’ve jumped on that you know, that was before he fought his last fight” (against Fiziev). Moreover, he states, “Well, my daughter’s in school for one, I’d have to be away for six weeks, they said I could fly my family in on the weekend. I still got the fight, and I didn’t have to be away from my family for six weeks”.
Interestingly, Poirier admits that if certain requirements were met, he would very much be up for coaching at TUF. Moreover, this also confirms to fans, that The Diamond and Justin were meant to be the original coaches for TUF 31. However, with Poirier and Gaethje both refusing, the responsibilities were then presented to Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler instead.
Dustin Poirier will fight Justin Gaethje for the BMF title
Thus, as Dustin mentioned, he got the fight without having to coach at TUF and spend time away from his family. Having beaten Michael Chandler at UFC 281 in his last outing, Poirier has since been enjoying some time off. Since then, many have also touted Poirier to possibly be next in line against the lightweight champ, Islam Makhachev.
However, with Makhachev out for an undisclosed period of time, and no clear #1 contender in the meantime, things have been on hold. Thus, a fight between two of the most violent fighters, that too for the BMF belt, is the route the UFC has chosen. Moreover, as many have suggested, the fight could have still been a banger without the BMF title involved.
Previously, the UFC introduced the “Baddest Motherf******r” title at UFC 244 for the fight between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz. However, since Masvidal became the BMF and then retired, the belt needs a new holder. Although it was initially meant to be a ‘one and done,’ the belt is seemingly making its return.
As for Poirier, he is keen to win the BMF strap and have it displayed in his living room. Similarly, Justin Gaethje also rejected the idea of coaching on TUF. However, he is still motivated to right his wrongs from 2018 and become the most violent man in the UFC. Who do you think will become the new BMF at UFC 291? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.