The reinstated BMF belt will see Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje fight to earn it at UFC 291. Both fighters appeared during the pre-fight press conference and posed for a stare-down. Moreover, the original BMF champion, Jorge Masvidal, mediated the faceoff and the fans have shared their reactions to it on social media.

Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje put on a classic slugfest in their first fight against each other in 2018. ‘The Diamond’ won by fourth-round TKO to cap out the evening at UFC on Fox 29 in Glendale, Arizona. Now, they will run it back once more.

Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje face off amidst the presence of Jorge Masvidal

Poirier and Gaethje both had visible fight-week intensity on their faces. Furthermore, they exchanged only a few words as they prepared for one of the most anticipated rematches in UFC history. Besides, the first time the BMF belt was on the line, the fighters – Jorge Masvidala and Nate Diaz – faced off in the presence of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson mediating the stare-down.

However, this time, the recently retired Jorge Masvidal, the inaugural and the original BMF belt holder took charge of the face-off. The UFC tried to make the moment more special with the presence of ‘Gamebred’ during the interaction between the two lightweights. Masvidal already loved the idea of the belt’s revival. However, the fans were not really pumped to see the former champion on stage.

Masvidal’s presence did not excite the fans

The fans did not show much excitement with the presence of Jorge Masvidal on stage. They believed that he missed fighting and may have wanted to take on Poirier and Gaethje in a three-way fight, just like WWE. Moreover, they believe that they don’t belong in the same stage as those two lightweight stars.

• Masvidal was so excited! It looked like he wanted it to be a triple threat
• If Jorge were to fight either one at 170 for a return fight, he’d get smoked.
• Jorge doesn’t belong in this picture

The fans also sounded off on the UFC for putting a fake championship belt, the BMF title, on the line for this fight. They claimed that a clash between ‘The Diamond’ and ‘The Highlight’ was enough for them to get engaged in the fight.

• This fight didn’t need that belt tbh
• This fight is so much more than some fake princess belt

Despite the respectful stare-down, the fans are of the impression that Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje are going to engage in an unbelievably violent fight.

• Justin dress like his going to Dustin’s funeral
• Fun facts: this is maby the most respectful stare down but these two will try to kill eachother for the win

READ MORE: “A Car Crash for Ages”- Israel Adesanya Picks His Winner Between Dustin Poirier vs Justin Gaethje at UFC 291 After Expecting a “Dog” Fight for BMF Title

Since their 2018 battle, both fighters have established themselves as perennial contenders in the division. They went on to win the interim lightweight title. They were not, however, successful in their quest for an undisputed championship. We’ll see if Poirier repeats his performance from the previous fight or if Gaethje avenges his loss from five years ago.

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