Justin Gaethje Delivers Spectacular Head Kick KO to Win BMF Title
Justin Gaethje solidified his status as one of the most electrifying fighters in the UFC with a stunning head kick knockout of Dustin Poirier. The victory not only earned Gaethje the BMF title, but it also set him up for a potential showdown with the winner of the lightweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira in October.
A Fight of the Year Contender
The highly anticipated rematch between Gaethje and Poirier lived up to the hype. The opening five minutes of the fight showcased the skills and heart of both fighters. Poirier demonstrated slick boxing, landing clean combinations, but also absorbed punishing low kicks to his calf, reminiscent of the same strategy Gaethje used to debilitate Conor McGregor two years ago. It was an even contest, with Poirier possibly edging the first round with precise strikes to Gaethje‘s eye.
A Remarkable Finish
The second round began with Gaethje taking control. He landed more frequently and then delivered the decisive blow—a picture-perfect high kick to Poirier’s chin. The impact of Gaethje‘s shin left Poirier unconscious on the mat. Before the referee could intervene, Gaethje followed up with another strike. The knockout was reminiscent of Leon Edwards’ impressive head kick KO of Kamaru Usman, which occurred in the same venue last year. Gaethje‘s finish, however, came with his right shin, distinguishing it from Edwards’ left shin strike.
A Chance at Redemption
After the fight, Gaethje expressed his gratitude for the opportunity at redemption. In the world of MMA, fighters rarely have the chance to avenge their losses. Gaethje acknowledged the tough lesson he learned from his first fight against Poirier and credited him for teaching him that lesson. Gaethje‘s growth as a fighter was evident in the drastic difference between the two fights. He commended Poirier as his favorite fighter and emphasized the role of luck and chance in the octagon.
Quest for the World Championship
Looking ahead, Gaethje made it clear that his goal is to fight for the world championship. He acknowledged his long stint in the UFC and his accumulated experience, but his ambitions remain unwavering. Despite previous setbacks against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira, Gaethje believes he has refined his skills and is now ready to claim the title as the best in the world in his division.
Other Notable Fights at the Event
The main card featured several memorable fights. Alex Pereira displayed resilience and skill in his light-heavyweight debut against Jan Blachowicz, ultimately winning via split decision. Derrick Lewis thrilled the crowd with a rapid knockout victory, followed by a unique celebration. Tony Ferguson, unfortunately, suffered another defeat, marking his sixth consecutive loss and raising doubts about his future with the UFC. Kevin Holland impressed with a submission victory over Michael Chiesa in the welterweight bout.
Overall, the event showcased the incredible athleticism and determination of these fighters. Gaethje‘s spectacular finish will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the highlights of his career, solidifying his place as a true master of his craft.
Keywords: Fighting, UFC, Gaethje, Head Kick, Masterclass, BMF Title
<< photo by Joshua Newton >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
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