Dustin Poirier gets candid about BMF title fight with Justin Gaethje
Dustin Poirier, who is scheduled to make his UFC return on July 29, is confident that he’ll secure another win over fellow top-ranked lightweight Justin Gaethje at UFC 291.
In an interview with Ariel Helwani of The MMA Hour on Monday, Poirier discussed the revival of the “Baddest Motherf—--” title, which hasn’t been contested since the Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz matchup in Nov. 2019 at UFC 244.
Poirier will look to capture the “BMF” title, previously held by his teammate Masvidal.
“This fight could headline without a BMF title, this is an exciting fight but that just adds more fun to it to me,” Poirier said. “I’m not going to walk around like I’m the undisputed world champion if I get this belt wrapped around my waist in July but it’s fun.”
The winner of the “BMF” title will increase their chances of securing a future title opportunity in the stacked lightweight division with both fighters eager to win their first undisputed UFC title.
Poirier and Gaethje are two of the most exciting and violent fighters on the UFC roster. Poirier, the No. 2 ranked welterweight, holds a previous TKO win over Gaethje, in 2018. Now, the two men are set for a pivotal rematch at 155 pounds.
Having already secured a TKO victory over Gaethje in 2018, Poirier is looking to repeat his success.
“This fight is…a head on-collision and I’m not turning away,” Poirier said. “I still see me being a matador and touching this guy.”
Poirier last fought in Nov. 2022 at UFC 281, where he defeated Michael Chandler by third-round submission.
Poirier and Gaethje, who are both former interim lightweight champions, will meet in a five-round fight at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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