In UFC 291, Justin Gaethje defeated Dustin Poirier to become the new BMF champion, Alex Pereira continued his rise, Derrick Lewis won his match and celebrated post-fight, and Tony Ferguson‘s struggle in the ring continued.
UFC 291 has come to an end and it was certainly one for the books. Unlike UFC’s previous visit to Utah, this one was filled with unexpected turns and adrenaline-rush finishes. Among the highlights was Justin Gaethje’s victory over Dustin Poirier, leading Gaethje to become the new BMF champion. Other notable moments included Alex Pereira shaping a Hall of Fame career at record speed, Derrick Lewis getting back in the win column with a post-fight celebration for the ages, and the tragically continuous slide of Tony Ferguson’s career.
There were queries about Gaethje’s rank among the best fighters who have never won a UFC undisputed title. The answer? A lot higher than many may have imagined after Saturday’s event. Gaethje has somewhat of an enigmatic existence in MMA; he’s likely underrated even while being universally revered as one of the most thrilling fighters ever. That’s a unique distinction to have, but it’s certainly warranted. Consider this: Gaethje has taken out top competitors in all of his UFC wins – six of those times, he was the betting underdog. He’s been a favorite to win only twice, against Michael Chandler and Donald Cerrone. Gaethje’s fighting style isn’t typically beautiful, but it’s effective, and it’s due time he is recognized as an all-time great.
Speaking of greats, there’s been speculation about a potential Gaethje-McGregor fight. However, considering the current circumstances, it’s far more likely that Gaethje could overpower Conor. Moreover, Gaethje’s fighting style is designed to break rhythm, and he’s developed a remarkable resilience over time. Even if Conor manages to make a dent in the first couple of minutes, Gaethje’s significantly improved defense and power-packed leg kicks could very well tip the scales in Gaethje’s favor.
Moving on to Dustin Poirier, the question rises – is this the end of his career? He has had a long and challenging journey in MMA, and there’s absolutely no disgrace losing to someone like Justin Gaethje, particularly after having already triumphed against him. Poirier is most likely past his prime and this could be the defeat that cements his legacy. He’s been quite open about his shifting focus, wanting more fun matches rather than just keeping his place in the title mix. This change could mean we’re about to witness the last few Poirier fights, and it’s essential to note that whatever happens next won’t greatly affect his legacy. Poirier has left an indelible mark in the lightweight category and has earned the respect and admiration of fans around the globe.