Tag: UFC 291

Ex-UFC ref ‘Big’ John McCarthy comments on legality of Justin Gaethje’s brutal head kick KO at UFC 291

Justin GaethjeFormer referee ‘Big’ John McCarthy has weighed in on the legality of Justin Gaethje’s stunning second-round head kick KO against Dustin Poirier at UFC 291. On Saturday night, Gaethje gave fans a sequel to last year’s ‘Headshot, Dead’ moment by delivering his own jaw-dropping finish against lightweight rival Dustin Poirier. ‘The Highlight’ was the toast […]

Justin Gaethje

Former referee ‘Big’ John McCarthy has weighed in on the legality of Justin Gaethje’s stunning second-round head kick KO against Dustin Poirier at UFC 291.

On Saturday night, Gaethje gave fans a sequel to last year’s ‘Headshot, Dead’ moment by delivering his own jaw-dropping finish against lightweight rival Dustin Poirier. ‘The Highlight’ was the toast of the town following his highlight-reel-worthy finish, getting some attention from former opponent Michael Chandler and Irish megastar Conor McGregor. Gaethje also left the Delta Center as the promotion’s newly designated baddest motherf*cker in the game.

But as the dust began to settle, some fans came out questioning whether or not Justin Gaethje’s head kick finish was actually legal. On Twitter, one user, in particular, noted that Gaethje’s foot appeared to wrap around and tag the back of Dustin Poirier’s head, making it an illegal strike.

“I’m not advocating for anything to be done about it but I watched back Gaethje’s headkick KO & it solely landed on the back of the head/neck of Poirier which put him to sleep,” MMA Joey wrote on Twitter. “It’s clear as day in the replay. Could this in any universe be used to appeal the loss? #UFC291”

John McCarthy Confirms Justin Gaethje’s ‘Headshot, Dead’ Sequel Was Perfectly Legal

While the clip shows Gaethje’s foot hitting more of Poirier’s neck rather than his head, it immediately had fight fans questioning whether or not Poirier could make an appeal with the athletic commission.

Enter long-time UFC referee ‘Big’ John McCarthy, who provided his insight on the devastating knockout blow.

“Well the shin didn’t land on Dustin’s chin,” McCarthy wrote. “It landed on Dustin’s arm which was driven into the head and jawline by the shin. The foot wrapping around towards the back of the head is totally legal.”

With his victory at UFC 291, Justin Gaethje will now turn his attention toward adding another title belt to his collection. Specifically, the lightweight title that currently resides with Dagestani destroyer Islam Makhachev. In October, Makhachev is set to defend his title against former champion Charles ‘Do Bronx’ Oliveira at UFC 294. The winner is now expected to face Gaethje in early 2024.

Conor McGregor dismisses future Hall of Fame entry for UFC foe Dustin Poirier: ‘He’s done f*ck all’

Conor McGregor says no to Hall of Fame entry for Dustin Poirier he's done f*ck all UFCFormer two-weight champion, Conor McGregor has dismissed suggestion that three-time opponent and recent UFC 291 headliner, Dustin Poirier should land a future induction into the promotion’s Hall of Fame, claiming that his arch-rival has “done f*ck all”. McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight champion under the banner of the organization, has been sidelined since […]

Conor McGregor says no to Hall of Fame entry for Dustin Poirier he's done f*ck all UFC

Former two-weight champion, Conor McGregor has dismissed suggestion that three-time opponent and recent UFC 291 headliner, Dustin Poirier should land a future induction into the promotion’s Hall of Fame, claiming that his arch-rival has “done f*ck all”.

McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight champion under the banner of the organization, has been sidelined since he headlined UFC 264 back in July 2021, fracturing his left tibia and fibula in a first round doctor’s stoppage TKO loss to the above-mentioned, Poirier. 

Prior to his rubber match trilogy loss to the Lafayette native, McGregor suffered his first loss via knockout in professional mixed martial arts in January of that year, dropping a lightweight rematch to Poirier with a thunderous second round finish in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

And returning to the Octagon himself over the course of the weekend atop UFC 291, Poirier suffered a devastating second round KO loss of his own, in a symbolic BMF championship rematch against Justin Gaethje – after eating a huge right high-kick.

Conor McGregor claims Dustin Poirier does not deserve Hall of Fame induction

Taking umbrage with suggestion from mixed martial arts reporter, Ariel Helwani that Poirier should land himself an induction into the Hall of Fama of the UFC despite his BMF title loss to Gaethje, McGregor claimed the former most certainly didn’t deserve a mention.

“Never won an undisputed title,” Conor McGregor tweeted about Dustin Poirier. “0-3 in title fights. I disagree on Hall of Fame. All due respect, he has one solid win over me, where he was getting pucked around the cage before he got it, and then the second off a leg break. He’s done f*ck all Ariel. Not Hall of Fame, no way.” 

“Bottled it against Nate (Diaz),” Conor McGregor tweeted. “Ariel is saying he should go for Nate next, forgetting he already booked and bottled it against Nate. It’s recency bias. I am sorry. He is a nice lad, he is not UFC Hall of Fame.” 

Do you agree with Conor McGregor’s take on Dustin Poirier?

Conor McGregor predicts ‘Easy’ KO win over Justin Gaethje: ‘The guys is about as smart as two planks’

Conor McGregor predicts snipe shot win over Justin Gaethje he's as smart as two planks UFC 291Former two-weight champion, Conor McGregor expects to land a one-shot knockout win over newly-minted BMF titleholder, Justin Gaethje following his victory at UFC 291 over the weekend – questioning the smarts of the Arizona knockout artist. Headlining UFC 291 last weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah, former interim lightweight champion, Gaethje avenged a prior 2018 […]

Conor McGregor predicts snipe shot win over Justin Gaethje he's as smart as two planks UFC 291

Former two-weight champion, Conor McGregor expects to land a one-shot knockout win over newly-minted BMF titleholder, Justin Gaethje following his victory at UFC 291 over the weekend – questioning the smarts of the Arizona knockout artist.

Headlining UFC 291 last weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah, former interim lightweight champion, Gaethje avenged a prior 2018 TKO loss to common-opponent, Dustin Poirier in the pair’s symbolic BMF title rematch.

Dropping the opening round to the Louisana striker, Gaethje managed to launch with a stunning right high-kick in the second frame, slumping Poirier to the canvas with a brutal knockout – handing the Lafayette native his first stoppage loss via strikes in seven years.

As for McGregor, the former undisputed lightweight and featherweight champion has been sidelined himself since fracturing his left tibia and fibula en route to a first round doctor’s stoppage TKO loss to Poirier in July 2021. 

And following Gaethje’s stunning knockout win over Poirier in the pair’s rematch, McGregor appeared to veto a planned welterweight return against Michael Chandler, in favor of booking a BMF title fight with Gaethje next.

Initially scoffing at a potential future fight with the Dubliner, Gaethje alluded to alleged performance-enhancing drug use from the former, insisting he would not fight him – despite the fact the former had predicted a one-sided win over him.

Conor McGregor again predicts KO win over Justin Gaethje in UFC return

Needling at the Trevor Wittman-trained knockout ace once more this week, McGregor has questioned the smarts of Gaethje – whilst echoing predictions of a devastating knockout win of his own.

“The guy is about as smart as two planks,” Conor McGregor tweeted about Justin Gaethje. “He is a one shotter for me. I snipe him dead in one single shot. And easily.” 

Serving as an opposing coach against the aforenoted Chandler on The Ultimate Fighter 31 earlier this year, McGregor has yet to make good on a planned welterweight return against the former lightweight title chaser. 

Do you believe Conor McGregor could beat Justin Gaethje?

Justin Gaethje reveals he received call from ex-President Donald trump after UFC 291 win: ‘That was awesome’

justin gaethjeUFC lightweight, Justin Gaethje reveals that he received a phone call from Donald trump following his victory last weekend. Gaethje is now set up to challenge for the UFC lightweight title for the third time in his career, following his win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 291. ‘The Highlight’ landed a head kick that knocked […]

justin gaethje

UFC lightweight, Justin Gaethje reveals that he received a phone call from Donald trump following his victory last weekend.

Gaethje is now set up to challenge for the UFC lightweight title for the third time in his career, following his win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 291. ‘The Highlight’ landed a head kick that knocked Poirier unconscious in the second round, winning the ‘BMF’ title and avenging his 2018 loss to ‘The Diamond’.

With such a huge victory headlining a PPV card, it would be expected that Gaethje would be flooded with congratulatory messages and phone calls. However, the 34-year-old highlighted a particular phone call from one of the world’s most recognizable faces.

Talking to TMZ, Gaethje revealed that the former President of The United States, Donald Trump, called him up to congratulate his on his win. Gaethje has been a vocal supporter of the Trump and has previously stated his admiration of the America’s 45th president.

“I got a call from Trump, that was awesome,” Gaethje said. “He fucking loves fighting man.

“He called me and just telling me how good I did, how proud of me he was, how impressive of a show it was and if I were ever in New York or Florida I should hit him up. Hopefully we can golf.”

When will Justin Gaethje be back?

Gaethje is expected to take on the winner of Charles Oliveira Vs Islam Makhachev II, which is set for UFC 294 in October. The American has previously taken on Oliveira in 2022, losing via submission and has stated he hopes the Brazilian wins in order for another chance at revenge.

“I’d prefer Charles because he beat me,” Gaethje said to the media. “I’m a competitor, this chance at redemption was amazing.”

It will be it least the first quarter of 2024 until Gaethje will likely enter the cage.

Justin Gaethje talks to TMZ

Will Justin Gaethje become UFC lightweight champion?

Israel Adesanya praises Alex Pereira’s win at UFC 291: ‘Good lad, he looked good at light heavyweight’

Israel Adesanya claims Alex Pereira looked good at light heavyweight at UFC 291 good ladUndisputed middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya has heaped praise on the shoulders of former opponent and arch-rival, Alex Pereira following the Brazilian’s successful outing at the light heavyweight limit over the weekend in the co-main event of UFC 291. Adesanya, the current and two-time undisputed middleweight champion, managed to reclaim the divisional crown back in April […]

Israel Adesanya claims Alex Pereira looked good at light heavyweight at UFC 291 good lad

Undisputed middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya has heaped praise on the shoulders of former opponent and arch-rival, Alex Pereira following the Brazilian’s successful outing at the light heavyweight limit over the weekend in the co-main event of UFC 291.

Adesanya, the current and two-time undisputed middleweight champion, managed to reclaim the divisional crown back in April in Miami, Florida, defeating Pereira with a second round KO in the pair’s championship rematch.

As for Sao Paulo striker, Pereira, the knockout artist ended Adesanya’s first middleweight title reign back in November of last year at Madison Square Garden, rallying to land a fifth round standing TKO win over the City Kickboxing staple. 

And making a light heavyweight limit leap over the course of the weekend in Salt Lake City, Pereira managed to land at the weight class with a split decision win over common-foe and former champion, Jan Blachowicz.

Israel Adesanya praises Alex Pereira’s win at UFC 291

Expected to make a title fight outing in his sophomore outing at the light heavyweight limit against former champion, Jiri Prochazka, Pereira – who has subsequently earned the number three rank in the division with his win over Blachowicz, impressed Adesanya in his first performance at the weight class in Utah.

“Beautiful try, but the boy (Alex Pereira) got long legs, man,” Israel Adesanya said on his YouTube channel. “I’m telling you, he doesn’t want any space because once you give him space, he’s going to touch you. Beautiful defense. Good way to not balance himself – corrected it. Good lad.”

Alex won – (he) looked good at light heavyweight,” Israel Adesanya explained. “Also, elevation – we have to consider that as well. Crafty from Jan (Blachowicz). He did the right thing to try and sneak the victory, but wasn’t enough. Alex now vs. Jiri (Prochazka) probably for the belt, I’m going to assume.” 

Himself expected to return at UFC 293 on September 9. in Sydney, Australia – Adesanya has been linked to fights with both Sean Strickland and Jared Cannonier for the promotion’s return ‘Down Under’.

Do you want to see Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira fight again in the future?

Nate Diaz blasts Justin Gaethje for turning down fight with Conor McGregor: ‘It shows how much of a nerd he is’

Nate Diaz labels Justin Gaethje a nerd for turning down BMF title fight with Conor McGregorPromotional alum, Nate Diaz has his doubts that former two-weight champion and past opponent, Conor McGregor will actually fight Michael Chandler in his planned Octagon return – as well as labelling newly-minted BMF titleholder, Justin Gaethje as a “nerd” for skirting a call out from the Dubliner. Diaz, a former welterweight contender and the inaugural […]

Nate Diaz labels Justin Gaethje a nerd for turning down BMF title fight with Conor McGregor

Promotional alum, Nate Diaz has his doubts that former two-weight champion and past opponent, Conor McGregor will actually fight Michael Chandler in his planned Octagon return – as well as labelling newly-minted BMF titleholder, Justin Gaethje as a “nerd” for skirting a call out from the Dubliner.

Diaz, a former welterweight contender and the inaugural BMF title challenger under the banner of the UFC, ended his longstanding tenure in the Octagon back in November of last year following a return to winning-ways against former interim lightweight champion, Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 last September.

And over the weekend, the BMF title saw it’s second victor emerge atop a UFC 291 pay-per-view card in Salt Lake City, Utah, with former interim lightweight champion, Gaethje stopping Diaz’s rival, Dustin Poirier with a stunning second round high-kick KO – avenging a prior 2018 loss to the Lafayette native.

Immediately after the pairing, Arizona striker, Gaethje ruled out a fight with former two-division champion, McGregor in the future – particularly for BMF championship spoils, with the Crumlin striker predicting a one-punch KO of Gaethje in a potential pairing.

Nate Diaz questions Justin Gaethje’s status as the BMF championship after UFC 291

Sharing his thoughts on McGregor’s expected Octagon return next year, Diaz has his doubts he actually fights veteran wrestler, Chandler, while scoffing at Gaethje’s rejection.

“(Michael) Chandler is a nice guy but he’s not gonna win,” Nate Diaz told Mirror Fighting during a recent interview. “I don’t think they’re gonna fight though. They are not gonna fight.”

“I think Conor and (Justin) Gaethje should fight,” Nate Diaz explained. “I think that will probably be next, but Gaethje might just act like he’s too cool or something, but it shows how much of a nerd he is. He (Conor McGregor) ain’t got nobody to fight. Who is he going to fight? There’s nobody to fight. That’s why I had to step out because there’s nobody to fight.” (Transcribed by TalkSPORT)

Himself booked for his own combat sports return this weekend in Dallas, Texas – Diaz makes a professional boxing debut against outspoken puncher, Jake Paul in his first venture inside the squared circle, ahead of a planned return to the UFC in the future. 

Do you expect to see Nate Diaz make an expected return to the UFC?