Justin Gaethje is on top of the world following his impressive BMF title victory at UFC 291. "The Highlight" delivered a redemptive
Justin Gaethje is on top of the world following his impressive BMF title victory at UFC 291. “The Highlight” delivered a redemptive head-kick knockout against Dustin Poirier in their main event rematch. Solidifying his position as one of the most entertaining lightweights in the sport. While the win has opened up opportunities for exciting future matchups. Gaethje remains nonchalant about Conor McGregor’s callout and focuses on his path to another title shot.
The main event between Gaethje and Poirier was filled with tension and excitement as both fighters teased finishing sequences in a thrilling first round. However, it only took one minute into the second round for Gaethje to land a flush head-kick knockout. That earned him the BMF title and set the MMA world abuzz.
Following the victory, Conor McGregor wasted no time in reinserting himself into the spotlight by calling for a fight with Gaethje. He claimed he would finish the new BMF champion in one round. However, Gaethje brushed off McGregor’s comments and expressed little interest in the matchup until “The Notorious” makes an actual return to the octagon.
“Words are just words. If I was ever to get a contract, it would be a fun conversation that I would have with my family and my coaches,” Gaethje told TMZ Sports regarding a potential McGregor matchup. “There’s a reason that he has turned me down six times. How you lose to me is not how you can lose and continue to be Conor McGregor. That’s a big risk for him, and he’s always saying something, trying to take the light away from people fighting in the cage.”
Currently, McGregor is serving as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter 31 (TUF) opposite Michael Chandler. Traditionally, TUF coaches square off after the season concludes but McGregor has yet to re-enter the USADA testing pool since his departure in 2022 after suffering a broken leg against Poirier in July 2021. He will need six months of testing before being eligible to officially return to competition.
For Gaethje, this whole situation feels like deja vu as he recalls the period before his first UFC title shot in October 2020 when McGregor attempted to butt in and make noise. The former interim champion remains unfazed by McGregor’s antics and remains focused on his goals.
Gaethje’s stellar victory over Poirier has positioned him as a top contender in the lightweight division. He is a potential challenger for the winner of the upcoming 155-pound title rematch between champion Islam Makhachev and challenger Charles Oliveira at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi.
While Gaethje has fallen short in his previous two attempts to capture undisputed gold against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. He remains determined to earn another title shot.
“That would be ideal,” Gaethje said of getting a title shot next. “I think so, and that’s my plan, that’s my goal. I’m going to get right back to training with that in mind. But with UFC, you never know. You just gotta stay mentally ready to start training because these are long camps, so you got to be mentally ready so you kind of try to stay a little bit halfway in between. Because who knows what’s gonna happen?”
For more UFC news and updates
Read: UFC 291: Preview, Prediction, Fight Card, Where to Watch, Venue, and Tickets
Read: UFC 291 results: Justin Gaethje claims BMF title with stunning knockout victory Over Dustin Poirier
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