The UFC 291 pre-fight press conference concluded just a few hours ago with headliners Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje talking about their big fight. Before their pre-fight face-off, a short promo of the fight was shown. Poirier and Gaethje gave their previews for the rematch. However, Dustin, though excited, decided to downplay the importance of the BMF (Baddest Mother Fu**er) title.
Who will Masvidal crown as the next BMF on Saturday? 🤔 #UFC291 pic.twitter.com/gaAeGT3LBa
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Throughout their previews both the fighters were respectful of each other’s abilities. Gaethje said, “My quickest way to a title shot is through number two Dustin Poirier. He beat my a** in the past. That was a lesson that I had to learn.”
On the other hand, Poirier said, “This fight will be different because I’m better he’s better but also might end in the same way”
The “same way” here would mean Poirier winning as he did over five years ago. Poirier fought Gaethje in April 2018 at the UFC on Fox event. The Lafayette-born Poirier won the bout via a TKO in the fourth round.
The former Interim-Lightweight champions will also be competing for the BMF title. While Gaethje showed nothing but respect for the title, Poirier seemed not too convinced with the concept.
Gaethje said, “Only certain times throughout the UFC is there going to be an opportunity where two guys make sense to fight for the BMF though, that’s why this is special to me.”
On the other hand, Poirier said, “It’s not a normal title, it’s not an undisputed title, but man being a bad mother fu**er, that’s something else”
He was certainly excited to hold the BMF title. But seemed to have called it not much of a real title. The original holder of the BMF title Jorge Masvidal had also joined in to stare down the men at the end.
Tony Ferguson claims the BMF title is not a real title
In the other Lightweight bout at UFC 291’s main card, Tony Ferguson will face Bobby Green. At the same pre-fight event, Ferguson was asked, “Tony for most of your career you were the BMF so you need to be fighting for that title one day?”
Ferguson was not interested in the BMF title. He said, “No f**k no dude. I fight for the real title. I got five fights to the title. Bobby’s the first step right here this week. I’m gonna go out there, I’m gonna finish in my style so thank you very much.”
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The other fights in the main card include Alex Pereira‘s Light-Heavyweight debut against former champion Jan Blachowicz. Two Welterweight bouts will also be fought. Kevin Holland will take on Michael Chiesa, meanwhile, Michel Pereira will face Stephen Thompson.