UFC 291 LIVE: Justin Gaethje knocks out Dustin Poirier with head kick

Re-live updates from the ‘BMF’ title fight, a long-awaited rematch that topped a stacked card in Utah

MMA fighter Tom Aspinall sings 'Sweet Caroline' at UFC London

Justin Gaethje knocked Dustin Poirier out cold with a stunning head kick on Saturday, winning their rematch at UFC 291 and claiming the ‘BMF’ title.

Five years after suffering a TKO loss to Poirier, Gaethje looked a completely different fighter against his fellow American, getting the better of most exchanges in Round 1. Gaethje, widely deemed the most exciting athlete in the UFC, then dropped Poirier with a clean head kick in Round 2 to end the fight abruptly.

In doing so, the lightweight won the ‘Baddest Motherf*****’ belt, a gimmick title previously seen in 2019 when Jorge Masvidal beat Nate Diaz to become the inaugural champion.

In the co-main event, former middleweight champion Alex Pereira moved up to light-heavyweight and outpointed Jan Blachowicz, an ex-title holder in the division.

Re-live updates and results from UFC 291, below.

UFC 291 LIVE: Poirier vs Gaethje

• Justin Gaethje knocks Dustin Poirier out cold with head kick to win ‘BMF’ belt
• Alex Pereira narrowly outpoints Jan Blachowicz in co-main event
• Derrick Lewis scores early KO of Marcos Rogerio de Lima after flying knee
• Tony Ferguson’s losing streak goes on with submission defeat by Bobby Green
• Michael Chiesa suffers tough return with submission loss to Kevin Holland
• Gaethje and Poirier share wholesome backstage moment after KO
• Gaethje reacts to Conor McGregor callout after main-event win

[30 July 2023 03:54 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 291: Tony Ferguson vs Bobby Green

Round 2

Green is back in Ferguson’ss guard, landing elbows from above, and some hammer fists for good measure,

Eventually Green stands and beckons Ferguson to his feet. Ferguson plods forward, and both men land straight punches.

Decent uppercut from Ferguson, and now a left hook. He’s sporting a fair bit of damage on his face, though...

[30 July 2023 03:51 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 291: Tony Ferguson vs Bobby Green

Round 2

Ferguson misses with a spinning back fist then sees a takedown attempt stuffed as Green sprawls.

Ferguson lands a decent right overhand now. He enters with an unorthodox roll at Green’s feet, and he’s trying for a triangle choke...

But Green is landing hammer fists through Ferguson’s legs at the moment! Eventually Ferguson pulls guard. He lands a decent elbow from the bottom, but Green is still getting off shots.

Green elects to stand, before diving back down with more punches.

[30 July 2023 03:47 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 291: Tony Ferguson vs Bobby Green

Round 1

“Tony” is the chant from the crowd as the action gets back under way.

Slick one-two from Green, landing upstairs. He’s standing orthodox now.

Green reverts to southpaw and lands a clean cross.

[30 July 2023 03:44 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 291: Tony Ferguson vs Bobby Green

Round 1

Green stands southpaw; Ferguson is switching stances back and forth. Lots of twitchy entries from both guys so far.

Ferguson with a front kick, Green with a side kick. Ferguson dives after a double-leg takedown, pushing Green to the fence and immediately jumping on his back...

Ferguson gets one hook in – his right leg – but he can’t advance the position. He backs off, and the pair move into the open.

As with the early moments of the fight, both men are flicking out straight shots but struggling to land.

OH! Until that big right hand from Ferguson, which knocks down Green! He springs back to his feet, and the action is soon paused due to an accidental eye poke by Green.

[30 July 2023 03:40 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 291: Tony Ferguson vs Bobby Green

Let’s go!

[30 July 2023 03:33 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 291: Tony Ferguson vs Bobby Green

Moving quickly on! Lightweight legend Tony Ferguson takes on fellow veteran Bobby Green.

Ferguson’s long winning run from 2013 to 2019, including his interim-title win in 2017, made him a huge favourite with fans. The American, 39, has since lost five in a row, however, having been submitted by Nate Diaz in September last time out.

Meanwhile, 36-year-old Green has a patchy record but usually delivers fun boxing exchanges, which is an exciting prospect as he takes on his compatriot Ferguson, an inventive striker.

[30 July 2023 03:26 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 291: Michael Chiesa vs Kevin Holland

Kevin Holland def. Michael Chiesa via first-round submission (D’Arce choke, 2:39).

[30 July 2023 03:23 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 291: Michael Chiesa vs Kevin Holland

Round 1

Southpaw stance for Chiesa, who is put on the back foot early.

Holland misses with an uppercut but lands a straight, and finds the mark with his next uppercut as Chiesa briefly covers up.

Another flurry from Holland, and Chiesa willingly hits the mat. Holland doesn’t bite, though, staying out of Chiesa’s guard.

He soon lets his opponent stand, too. Now the fighters clinch against the fence, trading positions. Eventually Chiesa gets a body lock but fails to take down Holland.

OH! Big knee from Holland, and he latches on to Chiesa’s neck with a D’Arce choke as Chiesa drops to his knees! And there’s the tap!!

[30 July 2023 03:20 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 291: Michael Chiesa vs Kevin Holland

Here we go!

[30 July 2023 03:12 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 291: Michael Chiesa vs Kevin Holland

The main card starts with a welterweight clash between the returning Michael Chiesa and the always-entertaining Kevin Holland.

Chiesa, who has been out for almost two years, is a grappling specialist, while Holland’s strengths are largely in the striking exchanges.