Justin Gaethje isn’t particularly moved by fighting for the vacant “BMF” title in his rematch with Dustin Poirier at UFC 291, but he’s wise enough to know what the belt represents, and what it could do for his career.
With inaugural “BMF” champ Jorge Masvidal retired from MMA competition, the UFC brass opted to bring the belt for the first time in more than three years for the July 29 headliner, which takes place at The Delta Center in Salt Lake City and airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.
With Gaethje (24-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC) and Poirier (29-7 MMA, 21-6 UFC) owning a combined 24 fight-night bonuses under the UFC banner, there are few more fitting matchups that would be worthy of the “BMF” name. For Gaethje, though, it’s more about the perk that come along with the designation. It could lead to a more lucrative future for himself, and thinks the UFC should be commended rather than criticized for the stakes around the fight.
