What happened in the first fight between BMF title fighters Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje

The UFC will soon crown its new ‘BMF’ champion. Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje are booked to fight for the famed “Baddest Motherf**ker” title at UFC 291 on July 29. This bout will also be the second meeting between the former interim lightweight champions. 

Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje first met in the octagon at UFC on Fox 29 in April 2018. After a slugfest that lived up to its expectations, ’The Diamond’ secured a fourth-round TKO victory over ‘The Highlight.’

Both fighters started strong, with Gaethje looking to attack with leg kicks and big right hands early. Meanwhile, Poirier focused on putting together boxing combos and peppered his opponent’s face with quick jabs. As the fight progressed, it was clear that neither fighter was interested in backing down and pushed forward relentlessly.

Despite two eye-pokes resulting in a point reduction for Justin Gaethje, ‘The Highlight’ significantly damaged Dustin Poirier with his devastating leg kicks in the third round. After ‘The Diamond’ artfully survived the striking onslaught that followed, he put on an exceptional boxing clinic in the fourth round. 

Poirier countered an early low kick with a clean left that stunned Gaethje. Sensing his opportunity, Poirier rushed forward and landed a barrage of strikes that caused Gaethje to drop to his knees. Thirty-three seconds into the fourth screen, the referee stopped the contest. ‘The Diamond’ got his hand raised via TKO, with both fighters taking home ‘Fight of the Night’ honors. 

Jorge Masvidal on potentially presenting the BMF title to the victor at UFC 291

Jorge Masvidal recently discussed the possibility of him presenting the BMF title to the winner of Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje at UFC 291. Masvidal was the inaugural BMF champion, defeating Nate Diaz at UFC 244 to win the black-and-grey belt. 

At the UFC 290 post-fight presser, MMA journalist Mike Bohn asked UFC president Dana White about Masvidal possibly presenting the BMF title belt to the Poirier-Gaethje winner. Interestingly, White seemingly agreed with the idea, and it appears the UFC will proceed with the plan. 

In a recent interview with MMA reporter Chamatkar Sandhu, Jorge Masvidal thanked Mike Bohn for his suggestion. Implying that future BMF title winners would present the belt to their successors, Masvidal said:

“That’s what I heard. It’s happening… It is gonna happen when I go out there, wrap the belt around the winner. And the tradition lives on.”

Watch the full interview below: