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ESPN Staff Writer- MMA columnist for ESPN.com
- Analyst for "MMA Live"
- Covered MMA for Las Vegas Sun
The BMF club now has two members: Jorge Masvidal and Justin Gaethje.
Gaethje proved himself worthy of his nickname "The Highlight" with a dramatic second-round head-kick knockout over Dustin Poirier at UFC 291. The rematch between two of the best lightweights in the world started just like their first fight, with both stars trading blows in a back-and-forth affair. In the first round, Poirier looked to be ahead after opening up a cut on Gaethje's left eye with a knee. In the next round, Gaethje settled the score with one of the best knockouts of the year.
"I've never thrown it once," Gaethje said of the head kick. "I just work my ass off."
Gaethje wants another shot at the lightweight title, currently held by Islam Makhachev. Makhachev will defend his belt against Charles Oliveira at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
In the co-main event, Alex Pereira squeaked by former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz in his debut in the division. Pereira, the former middleweight champion, won by split decision.
ESPN MMA correspondents Marc Raimondi and Brett Okamoto break down all the drama from an action-packed night in Salt Lake City.