Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje 2 Prediction: Who Will Take the BMF Belt at UFC 291?
The Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje 2 are the main event at UFC 291. Who will take the BMF belt this weekend? UFC betting expert Ben Rajavuori shares his prediction and pick for this highly-anticipated fight.
Ben Rajavuori - July 29, 2023, 11:00 AM EDT
7 minDustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje 2 Prediction: Who Will Take the BMF Belt at UFC 291?
An amazing pay-per-view card comes to a close in the main event when Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje meet in the octagon to decide who retains the "BMF" (Baddest MotherF*****) belt. Dustin won the first fight between these two and is a -150 favorite the second one around to get it done again.
Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje 2 291 Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: Saturday, July 29, 2023
- Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: PPV
Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje Prediction
Dustin "The Diamond" Poirier has been a force to be reckoned with in the lightweight division over the past six years. His impressive 9-2 record (with one No Contest) showcases his ability to finish fights, boasting six stoppages during this period. Notably, one of those finishes came against Gaethje in their epic encounter in early 2018, which earned them "Fight of the Night" honors with no argument.
Poirier's two losses during this time came at the hands of formidable opponents, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. These losses are understandable, considering that both Khabib and Oliveira are regarded as all-time greats in the sport.
On the other side of the Octagon, Justin "The Highlight" Gaethje has carved a path of destruction in the lightweight division. His 7-4 record in the past six years includes five knockout victories and an impressive eleven post-fight performance bonuses. Like Poirier, Gaethje's losses also came against the formidable duo of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira, both by submission.
In their initial meeting more than five years ago, Poirier secured a fourth-round TKO victory over Gaethje. However, that fight was a back-and-forth war with Gaethje landing devastating leg kicks, showcasing his mastery in that department. Poirier's counters with hand combinations proved decisive in that contest, but it also taught him a valuable lesson about the importance of leg kicks in his own arsenal.
Since their first bout, both fighters have continued their upward trajectory and evolved as fighters. Gaethje's defense has notably improved, with head movement and calculated boxing becoming a staple in his repertoire. He no longer solely relies on his chin to absorb damage, making him a more well-rounded and dangerous opponent.
With both fighters boasting impressive striking skills, legendary chins, and a willingness to engage in all-out brawls, this matchup has all the ingredients for a classic and may even be the fight of the year. The betting odds have remained tight, indicating how close this fight should be.
Gaethje's ability to deliver devastating calf kicks and his offensive striking prowess make him a genuine threat in any fight. Poirier, on the other hand, showcases boxing skills that are among the best in the UFC, and his sneaky jiu-jitsu adds another layer of danger to his game.
With all things considered, I have to take Justin here. While both have made improvements since the first meeting, Justin’s strides in improved defense and improvement in technical striking stand out to me the most. Justin is also being undervalued here because Dustin won the first encounter. At plus money, I cannot pass on Justin Gaethje right now. If Dustin were the underdog, I would probably bet on him instead. That’s just the game of betting fights.
Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje Pick
Pick: Justin Gaethje ML +125 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
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