In the highly anticipated main event of UFC 291, the lightweight title may not be up for grabs, but there’s another prestigious belt on the line that has captured the attention of fans worldwide. Dubbed the “iconic” BMF (Baddest Mother F****r) belt, this unique honor will be contested between Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier on July 29.
TMZ Sports had the opportunity to speak with Justin Gaethje ahead of his clash with Poirier, and he expressed his appreciation for the BMF title. Gaethje recognized that he would be the third fighter, alongside Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal, to fight for this rare accolade. He believes that competing for the BMF belt adds to his legacy and propels him closer to a championship opportunity, which is the ultimate goal for any fighter.
Only Diaz and Masvidal have locked horns for the BMF belt so far, with Masvidal emerging victorious with a TKO triumph in November 2019. Since then, the belt hasn’t been up for grabs, making this clash between Gaethje and Poirier a highly significant event in the history of the BMF title.
The upcoming fight between Gaethje and Poirier is a rematch, as they previously faced off in April 2018 during a Fight Night card. On that occasion, Poirier secured victory via a fourth-round TKO. While Gaethje acknowledges the importance of their first encounter, he doesn’t believe it will significantly impact their forthcoming battle. He recognizes that both fighters have evolved and grown since then, facing numerous formidable opponents and gaining valuable experience.
When questioned about where a win would position him on the path to securing the 155-pound title, Gaethje remains focused on his immediate task at hand. He acknowledges that Poirier is currently the number two-ranked fighter in the world in the lightweight division, while he himself holds the number three spot. Gaethje believes that regardless of the outcome, both fighters will likely be in contention for a title shot against the winner of the match between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira at UFC 294 on October 21 in Abu Dhabi.
Now, let’s delve into the burning question that surrounds the upcoming clash between Gaethje and Poirier – who will emerge as the baddest mother f***er? This exhilarating contest has captured the imagination of fans worldwide, as they eagerly await the showdown between these two warriors who have proven themselves time and time again inside the Octagon.
Gaethje and Poirier both possess outstanding fighting skills and impressive resumes, which have earned them the respect and admiration of fans and fighters alike. Their relentless tenacity, explosive striking, and unwavering determination make them ideal candidates to vie for the coveted BMF belt.
Fans can expect a thrilling and high-octane encounter when Gaethje and Poirier step into the cage on July 29. With their previous contest and subsequent growth in mind, it’s evident that Gaethje holds deep respect for his opponent. However, there’s no doubt that on fight night, both men will unleash their full arsenal of skills in a bid to secure victory and solidify their position as the baddest mother f***er in the division.
As the date draws near, the anticipation and excitement continue to build for this electrifying clash. Gaethje vs. Poirier represents the epitome of what mixed martial arts fans crave – two elite fighters challenging each other and pushing the boundaries of human endurance and skill. The BMF belt symbolizes the relentless pursuit of greatness and serves as a testament to the grit and determination displayed by these fighters throughout their careers.
When the dust settles and a winner emerges, they will etch their name into the record books alongside the likes of Diaz and Masvidal. The iconic BMF belt will take on new meaning, representing the blood, sweat, and tears shed in the pursuit of excellence inside the Octagon.
So mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable night of action as Gaethje and Poirier go head-to-head in a battle that will determine the baddest mother f***er in the UFC. The quest for the BMF belt is about to reach its climax, and fight fans around the world are eagerly waiting to witness this historic event.