Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje hoping BMF title can pave the way to shot at Islam Makhachev

Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje both believe their UFC 291 rematch for the BMF title is a chance to build legacy and move onto championship glory.

The two lightweights fought for the first time in 2018 in a spectacular bout that was often mentioned in contention as 'Fight of the Year', and was won by Poirier in a fourth-round TKO.

Both fighters have been interim lightweight champions in the division before, but they are yet to claim the title outright.

The pair are both 34 and might regard this as their last chance to put themselves in contention for a tilt at the title, with the belt currently held by Russia’s Islam Makhachev.

While neither belt - the lightweight belt or the interim lightweight belt - is on the line this Saturday for the third visit to Salt Lake City in Utah, there is the chance to win the symbolic 'BMF' title, which had been given to inaugural champion Jorge Masvidal, who retired in April, thus vacating the strap.

Masvidal lost at welterweight against Gilbert Burns at UFC 287 to force his hand when it came to stepping away from the sport.

American fighter Masvidal, like both Poirier and Gaethje, had always fallen short of securing a world championship, with the BMF belt recognising his durability and aggression throughout his career, even in defeat.

The bookmakers make Poirier the slight favourite for July 29, but both fighters are in with a chance unless there is a surprisingly dominant performance.

Poirier is best known to fans of combat sport for his trilogy against Conor McGregor, including two fights in 2021.

The last fight in April that year was a second win for Poirier, ending with McGregor stricken on the ground due to a snapped bone in his leg which has kept him out of competing ever since, though he is threatening a return at heavyweight at some point in the future.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the fight, Poirier and Gaethje were asked what the rematch meant to them.

Both acknowledged that the fight meant something to their resumes and they are focused on taking the next step and winning the traditional recognition for the division.

Poirier said: "It’s great for history, it’s great for my legacy, it’s cool to even have my name in the hat to even be considered for something like this.

"Not many can wear this belt, but the undisputed title is the ultimate prize, and the interim prize is a piece of that. It's a step away from being an undisputed champion and it’s the ultimate goal."

Gaethje concurred, adding: "Same thing, this is awesome, but other than legacy it doesn’t do nearly as much as a world championship belt.

"I think this catapults either one of us, the winner of this, into that fight and that’s all that means.”

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