Justin Gaethje Claims 'BMF' Title! Brutally Knocks Out Dustin Poirier!

• UFC

In the seething cauldron of the UFC 291 event, the main fight of the night saw an electrifying showdown for the coveted "BMF" title. This was a contest where former champion Jorge Masvidal symbolically transferred his title to the winner.

In a dramatic turn of events, the belt found its new home on the shoulder of the relentless Justin Gaethje. From the onset, Gaethje came out guns blazing. He seemed in sublime form in the first few minutes of the bout, deftly countering Poirier's aggressive pressing with precise pullbacks.

Gaethje marked his early dominance by landing a high kick on Poirier, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats. However, Poirier was not one to be overshadowed. About three minutes into the fight, he retaliated with a direct shot that could only be described as spectacular.

It was probably the most concrete strike of the initial phase, giving a noticeable boost to Poirier's confidence. He soon landed another punch on Gaethje, who received a cut near his left eye. Indeed, the first round lived up to the high octane expectations set by these formidable fighters.

Gaethje's Glorious Triumph: A Knockout Victory

Despite Poirier's apparent upper hand at the end of the first round, Gaethje remained unyielding. He doubled down on his high kick strategy, which had proved effective in the first round.

As the second round unfolded, about a minute in, Gaethje unleashed a splendid right high kick. Poirier was left reeling, "cut down" by the sheer force of the blow. Gaethje seized the opportunity to land another punch before referee Herb Dean intervened to bring an end to the intense bout.

The outcome? A truly brutal knockout by Justin Gaethje, the triumphant new owner of the "BMF" belt. Justin Gaethje had set his intentions clear earlier in the week, voicing his resolve to prevent Jorge Masvidal from draping the belt around Poirier's waist.

He certainly made good on his promise, marking his second major victory of the calendar year. After a brutal defeat of Rafael Fiziev in March, Gaethje has now added Dustin Poirier to his list of knockout victories. With such a commendable winning streak, Gaethje seems well poised for another shot at the title.

UFC 291 - event results:

The main part of the show:

• Alex Pereira def. Jan Blachowicz via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Derrick Lewis def. Marcos Rogerio de Lima via TKO - R1, 0:33 | REPORT
• Bobby Green def. Tony Ferguson via submission (arm triangle choke) - R3, 4:54
• Kevin Holland def.

  Michael Chiesa via submission (D'arce choke) - R1, 2.39

Preliminary part of the show:

• Gabriel Bonfim vs. Trevin Giles via submission (guillotine) - R1, 1:13
• CJ Vergara def. Vinicius Salvador via unanimous decision of the judges (29-28 x3)
• Roman Kopylov def.

  Claudio Ribeiro via KO (high kick) - R2, 0:33

• Jake Matthews def. Darrius Flowers via submission (RNC) - R2, 2:37
• Uros Medic def. Matthew Semelsberger via TKO - R3, 2:36
• Miranda Maverick def. Priscila Cachoeira via submission (armbar) - R3, 2:11