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UFC 291
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UFC 291: Poirier vs. Gaethje 2
The poster for UFC 291: Poirier vs. Gaethje 2
PromotionUltimate Fighting Championship
DateJuly 29, 2023 (2023-07-29)
VenueDelta Center
CitySalt Lake City, Utah, United States
Attendance18,467[1]
Total gate$6,556,443.97[1]
Event chronology
UFC Fight Night: Aspinall vs. Tybura UFC 291: Poirier vs. Gaethje 2 UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Font

UFC 291: Poirier vs. Gaethje 2 was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on July 29, 2023, at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.[2]

Background

[edit]

The event marked the promotion's third visit to Salt Lake City and first since UFC 278 in August 2022.[2]

A lightweight rematch between former interim UFC Lightweight Champions Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje (also former WSOF Lightweight Champion) headlined the event.[3] They also competed for the symbolic "BMF" (baddest motherfucker) title, which was vacated after the original holder Jorge Masvidal retired in April.[4] The pairing first met at UFC on Fox: Poirier vs. Gaethje in April 2018 which Poirier won by fourth-round TKO. The fight was considered "Fight of the Year" by several media channels.[5]

A welterweight bout between former UFC Welterweight Championship challenger Stephen Thompson and Michel Pereira was expected to take place at UFC 289,[6] but contracts were never signed and the bout was rescheduled for this event instead.[7] At the weigh-ins, Pereira weighed in at 174 pounds, three pounds over the welterweight non-title fight limit.[8] As a result, the bout was scrapped.[9]

Matthew Semelsberger and Yohan Lainesse were scheduled to meet in a welterweight bout at the event.[10] However on July 10, Lainesse was removed from the event for undisclosed reasons and replaced by Uroš Medić.[11]

Joanne Wood was expected to face Priscila Cachoeira in a women's flyweight bout on the preliminary card.[12] However, Wood pulled out in mid-July due to undisclosed reasons and was replaced by Miranda Maverick.[13]

A welterweight matchup between Jake Matthews and Miguel Baeza was booked for this event.[14] However on July 19, Baeza pulled out due to an undisclosed reason.[15] He was replaced by promotional newcomer Darrius Flowers.[16]

Former UFC Middleweight Championship challenger Paulo Costa and Ikram Aliskerov were expected to meet at the event.[17] However, the promotion opted to scrap the pairing and instead move them to UFC 294 in October matching them up with Khamzat Chimaev and Nassourdine Imavov, respectively.[18]

At the weigh-ins, Vinicius Salvador weighed in at 128.5 pounds, two and a half pounds over the flyweight non-title fight limit. His bout proceeded at catchweight and he was fined 20 percent of his purse, which went to his opponent C.J. Vergara.[19]

Results

[edit]
Main card
Weight class Method Round Time Notes
Lightweight Justin Gaethje def. Dustin Poirier KO (head kick) 2 1:00 [a]
Light Heavyweight Alex Pereira def. Jan Błachowicz Decision (split) (29–28, 28–29, 29–28) 3 5:00
Heavyweight Derrick Lewis def. Marcos Rogério de Lima TKO (punches) 1 0:33
Lightweight Bobby Green def. Tony Ferguson Technical Submission (arm-triangle choke) 3 4:54
Welterweight Kevin Holland def. Michael Chiesa Submission (brabo choke) 1 2:39
Preliminary card (ABC / ESPN / ESPN+)
Welterweight Gabriel Bonfim def. Trevin Giles Submission (guillotine choke) 1 1:13
Catchweight (128.5 lb) C.J. Vergara def. Vinicius Salvador Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) 3 5:00
Middleweight Roman Kopylov def. Claudio Ribeiro KO (head kick) 2 0:33
Welterweight Jake Matthews def. Darrius Flowers Submission (rear-naked choke) 2 2:37
Early preliminary card (ESPN / ESPN+ / UFC Fight Pass)
Welterweight Uroš Medić def. Matthew Semelsberger TKO (spinning backfist and punches) 3 2:36
Women's Flyweight Miranda Maverick def. Priscila Cachoeira Submission (armbar) 3 2:11
  1. ^ For the vacant symbolic UFC "BMF" belt

[20]

Bonus awards

[edit]

The following fighters received $50,000 bonuses.[21]

  • Fight of the Night: No bonus awarded.
  • Performance of the Night: Justin Gaethje, Derrick Lewis, Bobby Green, and Kevin Holland

Reported payout

[edit]

The following is the limited reported payout to the athletes as reported to the Pete Suazo Utah Athletic Commission. The athletes were able to choose whether or not they wanted to disclose their purse to the public. It does not include sponsor money or "locker room" bonuses often given by the UFC.[22]

  • Kevin Holland: $356,000 (includes $178,000 win bonus) def. Michael Chiesa
  • Bobby Green: $300,000 (includes $150,000 win bonus) def. Tony Ferguson
  • CJ Vergara: $60,000 (includes $30,000 win bonus) def. Vinicius Salvador
  • Gabriel Bonfim: $24,000 (includes $12,000 win bonus) def. Trevin Giles

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

UFC 291

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
UFC 291: Poirier vs. Gaethje 2 was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) that took place on July 29, 2023, at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The event marked the promotion's third visit to the city and featured a main card headlined by a lightweight rematch between former interim UFC Lightweight Champions Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje for the symbolic "BMF" (Baddest Motherfucker) title, which was vacated by Jon Jones prior to his move to the heavyweight division. A co-main event saw former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira face former champion Jan Błachowicz in a light heavyweight bout, marking Pereira's first fight at 205 pounds since winning the belt. In the main event, defeated via knockout with a right high kick at 1:00 of the second round, capturing the BMF title and earning Performance of the Night honors in a fight widely regarded as one of the year's most explosive. The co-main event resulted in a victory for over (29-28, 28-29, 29-28), with Pereira's performance highlighting his striking prowess despite the close contest. Other notable bouts included knocking out via flying knee and punches at 0:33 of the first round to earn another Performance of the Night bonus, and Bobby Green submitting with an arm-triangle choke at 4:54 of the third round, ending Ferguson's skid in a clash. The event drew a sold-out attendance of 18,467 fans, generating a live gate of $6,556,443.97 and setting a record for the . UFC 291 showcased a total of 11 fights across the card, with additional highlights including Tony Ferguson's ongoing quest for redemption and the debut of several rising prospects, contributing to the event's reputation for high-action entertainment in a venue known for its passionate crowds. The pay-per-view broadcast on ESPN+ featured four $50,000 Performance of the Night bonuses awarded to , , Bobby Green, and .

Event Details

Date and Venue

UFC 291 took place on July 29, 2023, at the in , . The event marked the promotion's return to the city after a previous outing in 2022, drawing a sold-out crowd of 18,467 spectators to the multi-purpose arena. The , formerly known as Vivint Arena until its renaming in 2023, serves as the home venue for the NBA's and has a seating capacity of approximately 18,300 for events, with configurations adjusted for to accommodate the setup. Located at 301 W. South Temple in , the arena opened in and has hosted various major sporting and entertainment events, including UFC pay-per-views. This marked the second consecutive UFC event at the venue to sell out, underscoring the strong local interest in in .

Promotion and Attendance

UFC 291 was promoted by the (UFC) as the organization's eighth event of 2023, headlined by a rematch between and for the symbolic BMF title. The promotion heavily emphasized the revival of the BMF belt, originally created for , positioning the bout as a high-stakes clash between two fan-favorite strikers known for their aggressive styles. UFC President defended the decision to resurrect the title, noting that Poirier and Gaethje were "the two right guys" to compete for it due to their reputations for delivering entertaining fights. Marketing efforts included official trailers and embedded content highlighting the fighters' history, with the event billed as "Poirier vs. Gaethje 2" to capitalize on their 2018 Fight of the Year. The UFC's promotional strategy also leveraged the return to , marking the second major event there in less than a year following , to build local excitement and underscore the promotion's growing presence in the region. The event achieved a complete sellout at the , drawing an announced attendance of 18,467 spectators and generating a live gate of $6,556,443.97, which set a record for the venue. This marked the second consecutive UFC sellout in , surpassing the 18,321 attendees from and demonstrating strong market demand.

Background

Announcement and Scheduling

UFC 291 was officially announced by UFC President on May 16, 2023, during a where he revealed the event's location and date alongside details for UFC 292. The pay-per-view was scheduled for July 29, 2023, at the in , , marking the promotion's return to the city just under a year after UFC 278. This scheduling positioned UFC 291 as the organization's second numbered event in , following the success of the previous outing that drew a sold-out crowd of over 18,000. At the time of announcement, White disclosed the full main card, headlined by a rematch between and for the symbolic "BMF" (Baddest Motherfucker) title, a bout first contested at UFC 291's predecessor event in 2018. The co-main event featured vs. in a light heavyweight bout, with additional high-profile matchups including versus Bobby Green. The selection of for UFC 291 was influenced by the city's proven track record as a UFC host, with local officials and the Utah Sports Commission actively pursuing the event to capitalize on the region's growing MMA fanbase. Tickets went on sale shortly after the announcement on May 26, 2023, via AXS, with pricing structured to accommodate various seating options and promote accessibility for attendees. This efficient scheduling timeline, spanning just over two months from reveal to execution, underscored the UFC's strategy to maintain momentum in key markets during the summer season.

Fight Card Changes

The UFC 291 fight card underwent several modifications in the weeks leading up to the event, primarily affecting both the main card and preliminary bouts due to scheduling conflicts, injuries, and weight issues. A notable early change occurred on July 23, 2023, when the scheduled bout between and was removed from the main card. Both fighters were reassigned to in October 2023, with Costa facing and Aliskerov matched against , leaving the main card with five confirmed fights at that point. Further alterations impacted the welterweight division on the main card just before weigh-ins on July 28, 2023. The matchup between Stephen Thompson and was canceled after Pereira weighed in at 174 pounds, missing the non-title limit (with 1-pound allowance) by three pounds. No replacement opponent was found for Thompson, reducing the portion to four bouts. On the preliminary card, multiple opponent substitutions occurred due to withdrawals. In the division, Yohan Lainesse was replaced by to face on short notice. Similarly, Australian Jake Matthews saw his original opponent, , withdraw and get substituted by alum Darrius Flowers. In the women's flyweight bout, stepped in on short notice to replace against after Wood pulled out. These changes ensured the undercard remained intact despite the disruptions.

Fight Card

Main Card

The main card of UFC 291, broadcast on ESPN+ , consisted of five high-profile bouts across multiple weight classes, highlighting established stars and rising contenders in a mix of title and non-title matchups (one scheduled bout was canceled after ceremonial weigh-ins). Headlining the event was a rematch for the symbolic "BMF" (Baddest ) championship belt between and , two former interim titleholders known for their explosive striking and durability; their first encounter at in 2019 had ended with Poirier securing a fifth-round TKO victory. In the co-main event, contenders and clashed in a pivotal fight, with former champion Błachowicz aiming to reclaim momentum against Pereira, the recent titleholder transitioning up in weight for his first UFC appearance. The heavyweight opener pitted power puncher against grappling specialist , both veterans seeking to snap recent losing streaks in a division renowned for its knockout potential. Additional action featured , a former interim champion enduring a skid, against streaking finisher Bobby Green in a bout that carried implications for the division's aging hierarchy. Rounding out the card was a matchup between submission expert and versatile knockout artist , both known for their adaptability in a dense with talent.

Preliminary Cards

The preliminary card for UFC 291 featured six bouts across four weight classes, airing on ABC and ESPN starting at 8:00 p.m. ET, with two early preliminary fights on ESPN+ at 6:00 p.m. ET. These matchups highlighted a mix of established UFC veterans and rising prospects, including debuts and returns in key divisions. The fights were as follows:
Weight ClassFighters
WelterweightGabriel Bonfim vs.
Flyweight vs. Vinicius Salvador
Middleweight vs. Claudio Ribeiro
WelterweightJake Matthews vs. Darrius Flowers
Welterweight vs.
Women's Flyweight vs.
Gabriel Bonfim, an undefeated Brazilian prospect making his promotional debut after signing with the UFC in early 2023, faced , a durable with a 6-5 record in the organization seeking to rebound from recent losses. In the flyweight bout, took on Vinicius Salvador, a former champion entering the UFC on a three-fight win streak. , known for his striking background in , met Claudio Ribeiro, a Contender Series contract winner aiming for his first UFC victory. Jake Matthews, an Australian fighter with 10 UFC appearances, opposed Darrius Flowers, who was making his octagon debut following a first-round TKO (injury) win on in 2022. The early prelim saw , a Contender Series alum with a 2-1 UFC record, against , a Serbian striker debuting after earning his contract in 2022. Finally, , a 25-year-old specialist on a two-fight skid, clashed with , a Brazilian dropping to flyweight for the matchup.

Pre-Fight

Weigh-Ins and Medicals

The official weigh-ins for UFC 291 occurred on July 28, 2023, at the in , , ahead of the event's main card broadcast. Fighters underwent mandatory medical examinations conducted by the Pete Suazo Utah Athletic Commission, including checks for , hydration levels via testing, and overall fitness to compete, with no reported medical disqualifications or health concerns arising from these evaluations. All 24 scheduled fighters successfully passed their medical screenings, ensuring the card proceeded as planned barring weight-related adjustments. The weigh-ins featured the standard non-title allowances: 156 pounds for lightweights, 171 pounds for welterweights, 186 pounds for middleweights, 206 pounds for light heavyweights, 236 pounds for , and 126 pounds for flyweights (including women's division). The main event participants, and , both cleared the limit for their BMF title bout, with Poirier at exactly 155 pounds and Gaethje at 156 pounds. In the co-main event, weighed in at 205 pounds, while hit 205.5 pounds for their clash. Other key bouts saw and Bobby Green both near the mark at 155 and 155.5 pounds, respectively, and at 170 pounds opposite Kevin Holland's 169.5 pounds in action. Two fighters missed weight, impacting their respective bouts. Michel Pereira came in at 174 pounds—three pounds over the 171-pound non-title limit—for his matchup with Stephen Thompson (170.5 pounds), resulting in the fight's cancellation by mutual agreement due to the significant miss and Pereira's prior history of withdrawal issues. On the early prelims, weighed 128.5 pounds, 2.5 pounds above the flyweight limit, against C.J. Vergara's 125.5 pounds; the bout proceeded at , with Salvador fined 20% of his purse to Vergara. No further penalties or medical interventions were required for these weight discrepancies.
BoutFighter 1 (Weight)Fighter 2 (Weight)Notes
Main Event: BMF Title () (155 lbs) (156 lbs)Both made weight
Co-Main: Light Heavyweight (205 lbs) (205.5 lbs)Both made weight
Stephen Thompson (170.5 lbs) (174 lbs)Pereira missed by 3 lbs; bout canceled
(155 lbs)Bobby Green (155.5 lbs)Both made weight
(170 lbs) (169.5 lbs)Both made weight
Flyweight (Early Prelim) (125.5 lbs)Vinicius Salvador (128.5 lbs)Salvador missed by 2.5 lbs; , 20% purse fine
The ceremonial weigh-ins followed later that evening, featuring intense staredowns, including a heated exchange between Poirier and Gaethje, but no incidents or medical concerns emerged during faceoffs. Overall, the process highlighted the commission's rigorous protocols to safeguard fighter health amid the physical toll of .

Press Conference Highlights

The UFC 291 pre-fight press conference took place on July 27, 2023, at the in , , hosted by and featuring the main card fighters along with UFC President . The event set an energetic tone for the card, with fighters emphasizing personal growth, resilience, and the stakes of their bouts, particularly the BMF title rematch between and . In the main event discussion, described the rematch as a fresh challenge, stating he had reviewed footage of their 2018 fight only once at the start of camp to avoid dwelling on the past victory, instead focusing on his evolution as a fighter and newfound confidence. He also highlighted his commitment to fans and charity, announcing a post-fight backpack drive for school supplies in , through his Good Fight Foundation. reciprocated the respect by praising Poirier's toughness from their first encounter, noting, "never once did I feel like he was gonna quit," while discussing his own improvements in emotional control and patience inside the compared to five years prior. Gaethje added a technical edge, observing that Poirier's previous knockouts often came via left cross, and urged focus on the immediate fight ahead. Both expressed mutual admiration for the BMF belt's legacy value, though Gaethje prioritized pursuing the undisputed title. The co-main event participants, and , underscored the bout's significance as a potential No. 1 contender fight for the vacant . Błachowicz framed it directly as a path to title contention, while Pereira dismissed any superstitions, declaring his intent to secure a opportunity with a victory and keeping his mindset squarely on Saturday's matchup. opened by thanking the Utah Sports Commission and Smith Entertainment Group for their support in bringing the event to , highlighting the city's enthusiastic MMA fanbase. A lighter but tense moment arose between lightweight prelim fighters Bobby Green and , who traded barbs over a text message exchange; Green denied any fear, while Ferguson claimed it revealed Green's apprehensions about their upcoming clash. The conference concluded with staredowns for all main card bouts, amplifying anticipation without major altercations, as fighters like kept responses brief and focused on performance. Overall, the proceedings fostered a respectful yet charged atmosphere, emphasizing the card's potential for high-impact action.

Results

Main Event and Co-Main Event

The main event of UFC 291 featured a lightweight rematch between and for the symbolic "BMF" (Baddest Motherfucker) title, five years after their first encounter at UFC on Fox 29, where Poirier secured a fourth-round TKO victory. The bout, held on July 29, 2023, at the in , , showcased both fighters' signature high-volume striking styles, with Gaethje entering at 24-4 and Poirier at 29-7. In the opening round, the fighters exchanged heavy blows from the outset, with Poirier landing a notable left hook that briefly rocked Gaethje, while Gaethje responded with leg kicks and combinations that tested Poirier's durability. The pace remained frenetic, drawing comparisons to their "Fight of the Year" clash, as both absorbed significant damage without retreating. Early in the second round, Gaethje capitalized on a Poirier advance with a devastating head kick at 1:00, rendering his opponent unconscious and securing the victory. This win avenged Gaethje's prior loss and earned him the BMF belt, positioning him as a top contender in the lightweight division. The co-main event pitted former champion against former champion Jan Błachowicz in a bout. , making his debut at 7-2, faced Błachowicz (28-9-1) in a stylistic clash of knockout power versus grappling prowess. The fight opened with Błachowicz securing an early , mounting Pereira and landing ground-and-pound strikes that bloodied and forced defensive survival for much of the first round. Pereira recovered in the second, using his reach to land jabs and knees in the clinch, while stuffing further takedown attempts. The third round saw both fighters trade strikes on the feet, with Pereira's volume edging out Błachowicz's pressure, though the Pole attempted late grappling. Judges scored it 29-28 for Pereira on two cards and 28-29 for Błachowicz on the third, awarding Pereira the split decision victory (29-28, 28-29, 29-28). This marked Pereira's first win at and highlighted his adaptability beyond middleweight.

Undercard Results

The undercard for UFC 291 consisted of seven fights broadcast on , ABC, and , showcasing a mix of submission victories, knockouts, and a decision in the flyweight division. These bouts highlighted emerging talents and veteran performers, with several finishes underscoring the event's high pace. The remaining main card bouts included:
Weight ClassResult
Heavyweight def. via KO (punches), Round 1, 0:49
Welterweight def. via submission (D'arce choke), Round 1, 2:39
LightweightBobby Green def. via submission (head and arm-triangle choke), Round 3, 4:54

Early Preliminary Card

The early prelims opened the night with decisive finishes, including two submissions and a knockout that demonstrated technical proficiency and striking power.
Weight ClassResult
Women's Flyweight def. via submission (armbar), Round 3, 2:11
Welterweight def. via TKO (strikes), Round 3, 2:36
WelterweightJake Matthews def. Darrius Flowers via submission (rear-naked choke), Round 2, 2:37

Preliminary Card

The prelims delivered three finishes out of four bouts, featuring quick submissions and a highlight-reel , while one fight went the full distance.
Weight ClassResult
Gabriel Bonfim def. via submission (), Round 1, 1:13
FlyweightC.J. Vergara def. Vinicius Salvador via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28), Round 3, 5:00
def. Claudio Ribeiro via KO (left high kick), Round 2, 0:33

Post-Event

Bonus Awards

At UFC 291, the UFC awarded four Performance of the Night bonuses, each worth $50,000, recognizing standout individual performances; no Fight of the Night bonus was given. Justin Gaethje earned a Performance of the Night bonus for his second-round knockout of Dustin Poirier in the main event via a highlight-reel head kick, marking his 12th consecutive fight-night bonus in the UFC. Derrick Lewis received one for his first-round knockout of Marcos Rogerio de Lima with a flying knee at just 33 seconds, extending his UFC record for most knockouts to 14. Bobby Green was awarded a bonus for submitting Tony Ferguson with a head-and-arm choke in the third round, just six seconds before the end of the fight. Kevin Holland claimed the final Performance of the Night honor for his first-round arm-triangle choke submission of Michael Chiesa, showcasing his grappling prowess in the welterweight bout. These awards highlighted the event's emphasis on finishes, with all four recipients securing stoppages that contributed to the card's excitement.

Reported Payouts and Financials

Due to a policy change by the Pete Suazo Athletic Commission, fighter purses for UFC 291 were classified as trade secrets under law, allowing most participants to opt into confidentiality agreements that prevented disclosure of their salaries. Only four fighters declined the non-disclosure option, resulting in a limited set of reported base pay and win bonuses released by the commission; these figures exclude sponsorship earnings, performance bonuses, points, or other incentives. The disclosed payouts, all for victories on the card, are summarized below:
FighterTotal PurseBase PayWin Bonus
$356,000$178,000$178,000
Bobby Green$300,000$150,000$150,000
$60,000$30,000$30,000
Gabriel Bonfim$24,000$12,000$12,000
The event generated a live gate of $6,556,443.97 from an announced attendance of 18,467 at the in , marking a sellout crowd and setting a record for the venue. This represented the UFC's second pay-per-view event at the arena within 11 months, following in August 2022.

Aftermath

Records and Milestones

reclaimed the UFC record for the most victories during the event, securing his 14th career with a 33-second stoppage of in the first round, surpassing the previous mark of 13 shared by and Matt Brown. This performance also established Lewis as the heavyweight division's all-time leader in finishes, with all 14 of his UFC stoppages coming via . The card featured an exceptionally high finish rate, with nine of the 11 bouts ending before the final bell, highlighting the event's emphasis on decisive outcomes. In the main event, Justin Gaethje's second-round head-kick knockout of not only crowned him the inaugural BMF champion in a headliner but also extended his perfect post-fight bonus record to 12-for-12 across his UFC appearances since 2017. Alex Pereira marked a significant career milestone in the co-main event by earning his first victory, defeating former champion via in only his second career decision win overall. Meanwhile, Gabriel Bonfim maintained his undefeated professional record at 15-0 with a first-round submission of at 1:13, extending his streak of all finishes. On the preliminary card, Tony Ferguson's submission loss to Bobby Green extended his skid to six consecutive defeats, tying B.J. Penn for the longest losing streak by a former UFC champion in history.

Rankings Impact and Reactions

The UFC rankings update following UFC 291, released on August 1, 2023, reflected significant shifts in multiple divisions due to the event's outcomes. In the division, ascended to No. 2 after his second-round knockout victory over , swapping positions with the latter who dropped to No. 3, while remained at No. 1 as the top contender to champion . Gaethje also re-entered the pound-for-pound rankings at No. 13, displacing Poirier from that spot entirely. These changes positioned Gaethje as a prime candidate for a title shot, enhancing his status as a perennial top contender. In the division, debuted at No. 3 following his controversial win over former champion Jan Blachowicz, who fell to No. 4, with Aleksandar Rakic dropping to No. 5. Pereira's rapid entry into the top five, just his second UFC fight at 205 pounds, was attributed to his victory over a former titleholder and his pedigree, propelling him up to No. 10 in the pound-for-pound rankings (tied with Jiri Prochazka). This shakeup occurred amid the division's instability, with champion sidelined by injury and Jiri Prochazka vacating the interim title, making Pereira an immediate title contender. Media analysts debated whether Pereira deserved the ranking so soon, citing his limited MMA experience at but praising his striking prowess against elite competition. Welterweight saw newcomer enter the rankings at No. 12 after submitting in the first round, causing Chiesa to tumble three spots to No. 15. This debut highlighted Holland's versatility in a crowded division. Overall, the event's high-finish rate—nine of the 11 bouts ending before the final bell—amplified the rankings volatility, with rising prospects like Bonfim gaining attention as potential future entrants. Reactions to the rankings were mixed but largely positive toward the main event's implications. Gaethje's emphatic was hailed as one of 2023's most memorable finishes, solidifying his resurgence and drawing praise for his evolution in striking setup, particularly the leg kicks that preceded the head kick. Poirier, despite the loss, earned respect for his resilience, with post-fight comments indicating interest in a but prioritizing legacy bouts over prospects. publicly taunted Gaethje on social media, fueling speculation of a superfight, though analysts noted logistical challenges. In the co-main, Blachowicz voiced frustration over the judges' decision, calling it a "robbery" and questioning the scoring, which sparked broader discussions on judging consistency. Pereira, unfazed, expressed openness to any title eliminator, emphasizing his desire to become a "champ-champ" without fixating on specific opponents like or Prochazka. Media outlets like and underscored the event's role in revitalizing both divisions, predicting high-stakes rematches and title opportunities as direct fallout.

References

  1. https://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-291
  2. https://www.ufc.com/news/dana-white-announces-ufc-291-ufc-292-salt-lake-city-boston
  3. https://www.ufc.com/news/ufc-291-poirier-vs-gaethje-2-results-highlights-winner-interviews-salt-lake-city
  4. https://www.ufc.com/news/ufc-bonus-coverage-2023-performance-fight-of-the-night
  5. https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2023/07/30/ufc-291-salt-lake-city/
  6. https://www.ufc.com/news/last-time-in-salt-lake-city-ufc-291
  7. https://www.espn.com/mma/fightcenter/_/id/600034052/league/ufc
  8. https://www.fox13now.com/sports/ufc-291-ends-in-spectacular-fashion-sells-out-delta-center-for-2nd-straight-year
  9. https://www.mmamania.com/2023/5/22/23732669/dana-white-defends-decision-resurrect-bmf-belt-ufc-291-these-are-two-right-guys-mma
  10. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-291-post-event-facts-justin-gaethje-insane-bonus-run-knockout-dustin-poirier-derrick-lewis
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  12. https://utahsportscommission.com/event/ufc-291/
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  14. https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/7/23/23804334/ufc-reveals-finalized-ufc-291-main-card-headlined-by-dustin-poirier-vs-justin-gaethje-bmf-title
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  17. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/07/ufc-291-news-stephen-thompson-vs-michel-pereira-canceled
  18. https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mma/news/ufc-291-undercard-full-list-fights-dustin-poirier-vs-justin-gaethje-2/nos4cpatzgpaoqvnuilsyfwa
  19. https://www.ufc.com/news/weigh-in-results-ufc-291-poirier-vs-gaethje-2-salt-lake-city
  20. https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/7/28/23811257/ufc-291-weigh-in-results-dustin-poirier-justin-gaethje-bmf-title-fight-michel-pereira-misses
  21. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/07/ufc-291-salt-lake-city-dustin-poirier-justin-gaethje-bmf-title-blachowicz-pereira-weigh-in-results-live-video-stream
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  23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FX3za6YxK2s
  24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6VfkBaDwo4
  25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avm_2fs8kjk
  26. https://sports.yahoo.com/ufc-291-press-conference-faceoffs-022033651.html
  27. https://www.si.com/mma/2023/07/29/ufc-291-live-blog-breaking-down-poirier-vs-gaethje-as-it-happens
  28. https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/7/30/23812890/ufc-291-results-alex-pereira-survives-early-scare-to-eke-out-split-decision-win-over-jan-blachowicz
  29. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/07/ufc-291-alex-pereira-wins-split-decision-vs-jan-blachowicz-light-heavyweight-debut
  30. https://cagesidepress.com/2023/07/30/ufc-291-alex-pereira-defeats-jan-blachowicz-close-split-decision/
  31. https://www.ufc.com/news/official-judges-scorecards-ufc-291-poirier-vs-gaethje-2
  32. https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/7/30/23812926/ufc-291-post-fight-bonuses-justin-gaethje-head-kick-leads-quartet-of-performance-of-the-night-awards
  33. https://www.mmamania.com/2023/7/30/23812355/official-ufc-291-bonus-winners-results-espn-ppv-poirier-gaethje-lewis-holland-green-knockout
  34. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2023/08/07/ufc-291-fight-pay-justin-gaethje-vs-dustin-poirier-holland-green/80657369007/
  35. https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Kevin-Holland-Tops-Limited-Disclosed-Salary-List-from-UFC-291-in-Salt-Lake-City-190693
  36. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2023/07/30/ufc-291-post-event-facts-justin-gaethje-insane-bonus-run-knockout-dustin-poirier-derrick-lewis/80670257007/
  37. https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Fight-Facts-UFC-291-Poirier-vs-Gaethje-2-190630
  38. https://www.ufc.com/rankings
  39. https://www.mmamania.com/2023/8/1/23815443/top-5-alex-pereira-shakes-up-light-heavyweight-division-latest-ufc-rankings-update-mma
  40. https://mixedmartialarts.com/news/ufc-rankings-justin-gaethje-returns-to-pound-for-pound-list/
  41. https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/7/31/23813188/rankings-shakeup-alex-pereira-debuts-in-light-heavyweight-top-5-is-title-shot-next
  42. https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2023/07/30/ufc-291-results-reactions-and-fallout-after-action-packed-ppv/
  43. https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/7/30/23812944/alex-pereira-doesnt-care-who-he-fights-light-heavyweight-title-israel-adesanya-trilogy-middleweight
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