Khabib Nurmagomedov, famed for his unparalleled 29-0 record, surprised the MMA community by announcing his retirement post his victory against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. Many fans and analysts had anticipated his pursuit for the 30-0 career mark, making this announcement unexpected. The passing of his father, Abdulmanap, in July 2020 deeply affected him, leading him to respect his mother’s wish for him to step away from the sport. Despite his retreat from the cage, Nurmagomedov remains influential in the MMA circuit, participating as a promoter and coach, but there’s no sign of a fighting return.

Georges St-Pierre’s Comeback and the $5 Million Grappling Match Tease

The MMA world lit up with the news of Georges St-Pierre’s impending return for a UFC Fight Pass Invitational grappling match slated for December 2023. Rumors flew about possible opponents, and naturally, Nurmagomedov’s name surfaced. Craig Jones, a previous participant in the Fight Pass Invitational, revealed that Nurmagomedov might have been considering a return, albeit for a steep $5 million price tag. While many are speculating about this potential high-profile match, nothing has been officially declared.

Reflecting on St-Pierre’s Legacy and His Last Octagon Appearance

Georges St-Pierre’s legacy in the UFC is unmatched, and his last appearance at UFC 217 only solidified his standing. There, he defeated Michael Bisping with a third-round rear-naked choke, acquiring the Middleweight champion title. As the MMA community awaits more details about his comeback, fans can’t help but wonder about the dream match that might have been — Nurmagomedov vs. St-Pierre.

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“El Cucuy” Addresses Controversy Surrounding Eye Poke Incident

Ferguson took to Instagram to voice his perspective on the recent loss, pointing to the illicit eye poke as a pivotal turning point in the match. Despite significant impairment to his vision, he maintained a fighter’s spirit, refusing to bow out prematurely. Ferguson reiterated his determination to overcome this setback and work closely with his team, including Dana White and Hunter Campbell, to strategize his future in UFC.

It’s noteworthy to remember that before his recent downward spiral, Ferguson maintained an impressive 12-fight winning streak spanning seven years. His streak was halted by Justin Gaethje at UFC 249 in a brutal five-round bout. The remainder of his winless run featured battles against high-ranking Lightweights like Charles Oliveira, Beneil Dariush, and Michael Chandler. With the recent losses to Nate Diaz and Bobby Green, however, he now faces defeats from unranked opponents. Regardless of the challenges, “El Cucuy” remains hopeful of redeeming his position and achieving future victories.

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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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