Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje are set to face off in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 291, with the ceremonial BMF (Baddest Mother F*****) title on the line. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 29, 2023, in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, at the Delta Center.
The main event will feature Poirier and Gaethje, who previously fought in an unforgettable showdown in 2018, which was hailed as the Fight of the Year. Poirier emerged victorious in that bout, defeating Gaethje by technical knockout in the fourth round. Both fighters showcased their impressive skills, with Gaethje’s aggressive style and striking power matching Poirier’s precision and strong grappling ability. In the end, Poirier was able to wear down Gaethje, leading to the referee stopping the fight and declaring Poirier the winner.
Although no official UFC championships will be on the line, the ceremonial BMF title will be up for grabs. This title was introduced in 2019 for the bout between Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal, both known for their toughness. Masvidal won that fight and held the BMF title until his recent retirement from the sport, leaving the title vacant. The showdown between Poirier and Gaethje will determine the new bearer of this prestigious and highly sought-after title.
In the co-main event of the evening, former middleweight champion Alex Pereira will take on Jan Blachowicz in what promises to be another thrilling matchup. Pereira’s striking skills and knockout power will be put to the test against Blachowicz’s well-rounded game and championship experience.
Additionally, the UFC 291 card will feature other exciting bouts, including Paulo Costa facing off against Ikram Aliskerov, and Tony Ferguson going head-to-head with Bobby Green. These fights are sure to deliver action-packed moments, captivating fans from start to finish.
Fans in the United States can catch the coverage of UFC 291 on ESPN+, with the event starting at 7pm on Saturday, July 29. The main event is expected to commence at 10pm Eastern Time. Meanwhile, viewers in the United Kingdom can tune in to TNT Sports for coverage starting at midnight on Sunday, July 30, with the main event anticipated to start around 3am British Summer Time.
Notably, UFC 291 marks the first pay-per-view event on TNT Sports following its recent rebrand from BT Sports, which took place on July 18, 2023.
As fight night approaches, fans and the mixed martial arts community eagerly await the rematch between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje. With the BMF title on the line, both fighters will leave no stone unturned in their quest for victory. UFC 291 promises to be an unforgettable event, showcasing the incredible skills and determination of these elite athletes.
