UFC 291: Delta Center; Salt Lake City, Utah
Holly Holm, Leon Edwards, and a slew of other fighters have grabbed walk off wins thanks to the head kick. This time it was Justin Gaethje adding his name to that list thanks to a head kick work again. This time it also got him a loss back versus Dustin Poirier, and he picked up the BMF TITLE, and all but stamped his ticket for his second-chance at UFC Gold.
The rematch came to a quick end just 60-seconds into round two, before a sliding referee HERB DEAN stopped the action to save the flatlined Poirier. And the kicking game was on full display. From the opening bell the two whipped their legs into each other. Poirier had Gaethje on his back foot along the fence. With a very composed and patient Gaethje blitzing at times. Poirier stung and cut Gaethje by the left eye. And Gaethje worked on chopping Poirier’s lead leg that the counter striker is heavy on.
Much like Edwards, who did it to Gaethje’s teammate and stablemate; KAMARU USMAN, just from the opposite side. He pawed out a right hand, and with Poirier ducking; cracked him over the top with the kick.
Head Kick Work Again
From calf kicks, to liver kicks, to now head kicks, the latter one brings out the highlight reel best. Gaethje, while happy to snag the BMF strap, wants more than anything the UFC lightweight belt. He’s been on that mission ever since he came over from the WSOF.
He failed to obtain the divisional belt versus Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2020. With the title on the line it gives him a great story against whoever owns the belt after Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira throw down in October.
So the most likely scenario would have the fight happen the first quarter of 2024. Gaethje has a loss to “Do Bronx”, and would like to get that one back to. Makhachev is the protege of Nurmagomedov. So if you can’t beat the master, taking out the pupil is the next best thing.
The poise Gaethje has shown recently is a welcomed change from the swing from the heels and play rock em sock em robot. Sure the 34-year old left the cage not too damaged, but if he’s to beat the Dagestani, his ground game and his takedown defense need to be next level. As for an Olivira part two; keep the pace he’s at now. And should that happen; the lightweight belt will make a home in Arizona.
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