The stats read 0-7. This is the number of times the contenders for the BMF title have won the UFC championship fights. When Jorge Masvidal won the inaugural BMF title at UFC 244 against Nate Diaz, he was the hottest property in the UFC. But a subsequent four-loss skid followed. A similar fate followed Diaz as he racked up a mixed record of 1-1. What does fate have in store for Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje?

After ‘Gamebred’ hung up his gloves after his most recent loss at UFC 287, UFC President Dana White decided the two lightweights deserved a crack at the symbolic title. However, questions have been raised about the significance of the title. Is the title a mere facade? Judging by the precedent, even the winner has failed to amass success afterward. But the implications are always grave when it comes to the 155-pound division. While the winner might claim another title shot, there might be some ghastly repercussions for the loser.

What lies beyond the BMF title for Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje?

UFC star Anthony Smith recently sat down with The Schmo and discussed the title eliminator at UFC 291. ‘Lionheart’ further touched on the role featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski might play. However, he also cautioned that a bleak future awaits the fighter who drops the fight.

The #7 light heavyweight fighter said, “I think the implications are probably bigger than the BMF title. It’s the winner of this, depending on what Alexander Volkanovski wants to do, probably puts himself in line for a title. If you ask Chael Sonnen, the loser probably takes himself out of title contention forever.”

Thus, the title fight might decide the careers of both fighters going forward. While everything is up for grabs for the winner, the loser might drop down the rankings, never to recover again.

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Smith, therefore, also pointed out some factors leading up to the fight. He stated, “These guys aren’t young. They’ve been in the game [for] a long time. There’s a lot of pressure on both guys.”

The fighters themselves were aware of the prize when they appeared at the UFC 291 press conference. Unfazed by their previous record, when Poirier came on top and collected a splendid TKO win against Gaethje in 2018, both fighters believed a lot had changed in them since then. Besides, both remained aware of the actual prize on the line, the undisputed title.

“The undisputed title is the ultimate prize,” Poirier announced. Likewise, Gaethje declared, “Other than legacy, it [BMF title] doesn’t do nothing as near as much as a world championship belt.”

Read More: “Fake Princess Belt”: Replacing Dwayne Johnson, Original BMF Jorge Masvidal’s Presence at Dustin Poirier-Justin Gaethje Face-Off for UFC 291 Doesn’t Sit Too Well With Fans

Both square off against each other at UFC 291 on July 29 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.

What do you think of these statements by UFC star Anthony Smith? Who do you have leading the BMF title race? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch this story: Jorge Masvidal Wins the Race Against Mike Tyson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Triple H to Become Dwayne Johnson’s Successor at UFC 291 for the BMF Title