UFC 291: Gaethje’s Brutal KO, Lewis’ Record and Medic’s Superb Spinning Elbow

Justin Gaethje knocked out cold Dustin Poirier in the main event of the UFC 291, getting the BMF belt from Jorge Masvidal. It was a replica of a high-kick Leon Edwards used on Kamaru Usman when taking the UFC welterweight belt at the same place here in Salt Lake City a year ago.

In other fights, Alex Pereira beat Jan Blachowicz via split decision, Derrick Lewis KOd Marcos Rogerio de Lima, Bobby Green submitted Tony Ferguson, while Kevin Holland did the same to Michael Chiesa.

OMG!!! JUSTIN GAETHJE KNOCKS OUT PORIER COLD!!! #UFC291 pic.twitter.com/2rIU54nhpQ

— Jmag (@Jmagings) July 30, 2023

Gaethje and Poirier met already once, at the start of Justin’s UFC stint, and back then, Poirier won via KO. Tonight’s event ended completely the opposite, with the Highlight delivering one of the best KOs this year. He sent a right jab which was there only to cover the right high kick, which would end directly on Poirier’s head.

The former interim champions immediately dropped to the ground, with Gathje adding one more punch before waking away and Herb Dean’s slide. It was one minute into the second round. Gaethje was dictating the tempo and the pace, looking better than Poirier. After the bout, he stated that his plan is to battle with the winner of the Makhachev vs. Oliveira bout, which is for the UFC lightweight championship.

Jan Blachowicz lost via split decision to Alex Pereira in the light heavyweight battle, which was the debut in the division for the Brazilian. After opening the fight well and taking the first round, Blachowicz slowed down, allowing Pereira to get the next two rounds, although the last one was very close, and it could go both ways. While the Pole collected points on takedowns, the Brazilian sent punches and kicks from afar.

The judges scored 29-28, 28-29 and 29-28.

This is a flying start in the new division for Pereira, who immediately put himself in the mix for the title bout.

https://twitter.com/TheArtOfWar6/status/1685490717597081600

Derrick Lewis knocked out Mercis Rogerio de Lima after only 33 seconds. The Black Beast became the guy with the most knockouts in UFC history, with 14. He would immediately run towards de Lima for a flying knee and, while in the air, managed to hit the Brazilian slightly with his hand. de Lima was on the ground in no time, and after that, it was easy for the Americans to close out the battle.

Tony Ferguson’s negative streak reached six bouts, as he lost to Bobby Green in the lightweight bout. El Cucuy was stopped in the third round via arm triangle submission, being inferior throughout the entire event. Green had almost three times as many significant shots and confidently controlled the octagon’s pace.

Kevin Holland earned a big win over Michael Chiesa, whom he forced to tap out already in the first round via D’Arce choke. This is an important triumph for Holland, who is now back into the mix after a not-so-impressive performance.

UROS MEDIC SPINNIN BACKFIST IN A SHORT NOTICE FIGHT #UFC291 https://t.co/DZMGXi7mpP

— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) July 29, 2023

We also need to mention Uros Medic, who delivered a highlight reel KO against Matthew Semelsberger. The Serbian took this battle on short notice, with Miguel Baeza stepping down, appearing in the welterweight division for the first time in his career. Following a rocky opening round, where Semelsberger rocked Medic a couple of times, the Doctor, as the fans call him, regrouped, delivering an impressive finish that saw a spinning elbow, leaving the entire crowd stunned.

If it weren’t for Gaethje’s high kick, this would be the best moment of the night, by far.