Charles Oliveira, fondly known as “do Bronx”, marked his remarkable return to form at UFC 289. His exceptional performance saw him defeat top contender Beneil Dariush in the very first round, thereby halting Dariush’s eight-fight win streak. Oliveira’s win was a reminder of his prowess, demonstrating that despite a recent setback against Islam Makhachev, he is still one of the top fighters in the world.

UFC’s Underdog Shines: Charles Oliveira

Counted out repeatedly throughout his impressive career, Oliveira once again played the underdog against Dariush, but it did not deter him from showcasing his talent. Even the skeptics, including Makhachev’s coach Javier Mendez, were silenced by Oliveira’s decisive victory. Mendez admitted his miscalculation in overlooking Oliveira’s capabilities, going on to acknowledge that he has earned the right to be first in line for a title shot.

The Future of UFC’s Lightweight Championship

Despite not confirming Oliveira’s next move, UFC President Dana White recognized that it would make sense for Oliveira to challenge Makhachev for the 155-pound strap. Makhachev is a wanted competitor in the lightweight category, with contenders such as featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje eyeing the throne. Meanwhile, Mendez expressed that Makhachev might prefer Gaethje as the easiest opponent among the three potential lightweight challengers. However, the final call remains in the hands of the UFC.

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Gaethje Applauds Poirier’s Triumphs Since Their First Encounter

Gaethje, in an interview with retired champion Daniel Cormier on DC & RC, expressed his admiration for Poirier’s accomplishments following their initial showdown. Gaethje commended Poirier not only for his victory over him but also for his subsequent wins, particularly his impressive performances against Conor McGregor. Gaethje described Poirier as a formidable opponent and acknowledged the need for perfection in their upcoming clash. Despite their shared violent nature as athletes, both fighters maintain a respectful and amicable relationship, recognizing the preparation and contentment in facing the challenges ahead at UFC 291.

Poirier’s Stellar Track Record Since Defeating Gaethje

Since defeating Gaethje, Poirier has compiled an impressive 6-2 record, notably marked by his dominant TKO victories over Conor McGregor. While Poirier suffered defeats in his title attempts against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira, he has consistently remained in the title contention. The 34-year-old fighter’s remarkable performances have solidified his reputation as one of the most formidable competitors in the lightweight division.

Gaethje’s Redemption Journey and Title Pursuits

Like Poirier, Gaethje has rebounded strongly from his loss to his upcoming opponent. With a similar 6-2 record since their initial encounter, Gaethje has showcased his resilience and determination. Despite setbacks in his title shots against Nurmagomedov and Oliveira, Gaethje’s skill set and relentless fighting style have kept him in the upper echelons of the division. As both fighters vie for the BMF title, their previous setbacks serve as motivation to seize victory and continue their pursuit of championship glory.

Gaethje and Poirier: Title Contenders and Bonus Collectors

Both Gaethje and Poirier have consistently positioned themselves as formidable title contenders and passionate fighters in the lightweight division. Their hunger for success is matched by their ability to put on electrifying performances, earning them a reputation as ravenous bonus collectors. Given their shared commitment to providing fans with enthralling displays of skill and intensity, both fighters recognize that UFC 291 represents a rare occasion where trash talk is unnecessary to generate interest in the event.

Conclusion: UFC 291 is shaping up to be an epic showdown between Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier, where the BMF title will be at stake. The rematch between these two respected lightweights promises to captivate fans with their mutual respect and shared desire to leave everything inside the Octagon. Gaethje and Poirier’s journey to this highly anticipated clash reflects their determination to overcome past setbacks and secure their place among the lightweight division’s elite. With a stacked card and no shortage of action

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At 34 years old, Gaethje recognizes that he has fewer years ahead of him in the sport than the time he has already dedicated to it. He stated, “It’s just the fact of the matter that I would say, by 37, I would like to not be doing this anymore. Two or three years is a long time, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s not that long.” With over a decade of professional fighting under his belt, Gaethje acknowledges that he is now approaching the back end of his career in the sport.

While Gaethje’s clash with Poirier could potentially earn him another shot at the UFC title, the outcome of that fight won’t be the sole determining factor for his retirement. Gaethje believes that the decision to hang up his gloves should come down to timing, especially when comparing himself to other elite athletes in the UFC. He admires fighters who recognize when to walk away, neither staying too long nor quitting prematurely. Gaethje aspires to find himself in that sweet spot of retiring at “just the right moment.”

Considering Gaethje’s fighting style, which is known for its non-stop aggression and crowd-pleasing performances, it’s easy to argue that he faces more potential harm than the average competitor. Gaethje proudly considers himself the most exciting fighter in the history of the sport, backed by an impressive record of 11 post-fight bonuses, including seven Fight of the Night awards and three Fights of the Year accolades. However, such thrilling displays often result in significant damage to his body.

Despite his relentless approach, Gaethje does not ignore the importance of his long-term health, even if it’s not at the forefront of his mind when he steps into the Octagon. He acknowledges that as he grows older, he becomes wiser and more aware of life’s uncertainties. While he starts to think about these things more, Gaethje remains unfazed by the potential risks he faces each time he fights. He accepts the inherent dangers but aims to find contentment in the situation he has chosen for himself, enabling him to live more freely.

As Gaethje heads into his rematch with Poirier, set to headline UFC 291, he understands the significance of this bout. The outcome could shape the remaining years of his career and potentially determine his shot at the UFC world championship. Gaethje’s fighting style has captivated fans worldwide, and he has no intention of overstaying his welcome. Aware of the toll his approach takes on his body, Gaethje seeks to retire at the right moment when he believes he can no longer be the best in the world with the skills he possesses.

Justin Gaethje’s journey in the Octagon has been marked by heart-pounding battles and unforgettable performances. As he nears the end of his career, he navigates the delicate balance between emotions and the realities of retirement. While the clock may be ticking, Gaethje remains focused on making the most of his remaining time in the sport, delivering thrilling fights and leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most exciting fighters in MMA history.

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