After almost 5 years, Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier met each other in the octagon for a rematch at UFC 291. The former interim lightweight champions of the world went all out against each other in the octagon for the BMF title. Previously, it was held by Jorge Masvidal, who vacated the belt following his retirement.
“The Diamond” and “The Highlight” met at the Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah at the main event of UFC 291. Unlike, the previous encounter where Poirier won by a KO/TKO. This time it was Gaethje who emerged victorious in the battle and won by a KO/TKO in Round 2.
Kamaru Usman went WILD for Justin Gaethje’s knockout #UFC291 pic.twitter.com/6azFRbzBs0
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) July 30, 2023
Kamaru was watching the match closely, as soon as Justin Gaethje knocked out Dustin Poirier he couldn’t control his emotions and started crying after screaming out loud.
Dustin Poirier Suffers the same fate as Kamaru Usman with Justin Gaethje’s head kick
Gaethje knocked out Poirier at the main event of UFC 291 and claimed the BMF title. It was a perfect arrangement for him after his TKO/KO loss to Poirier five years ago. This was a highly anticipated match-up because of the extraordinary performance shown by both of them in the Octagon.
At the beginning of Round 1, both fighters started off with early kicks and punches. As the Round progressed both fighters started exchanging heavy blows with each other. In Round 2 both fighters took the centre of the Octagon.
As the fight progressed in round 2, Justin tried to land a right punch which got blocked and soon landed a perfectly timed right head kick on Dustin knocking him out cold. The referee stopped the fight at 1 minute of Round 2.
Looking closely at the knockout, it had several resemblances to the knockout landed by Leon Edwards on Kamaru Usman almost a year ago. Coincidently both matches were held at Delta Center, Utah and both Usman and Justin were coached by Trevor Wittman. Considering the way the knockout landed, it showed the detailed analysis made by the coach and shared it with them.
Justin applied the combination with perfect timing and utilized it efficiently. It was one of the main reasons for Usman’s loss at UFC 278. Both fighters must’ve practiced the combination and the defense in sparring sessions.
He was showcasing his supreme skills in the match. Justin walked away victoriously from the octagon with the belt around his waist.
