Michael Chiesa believes that the fight between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje for the vacant BMF title at UFC 291 validates the BMF title, which was originally introduced as a promotional tool, and in his opinion, is a deserving fight.
The popular belief of Michael Chiesa is that Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje validating the BMF title gives it significant recognition. This weekend, these two contenders will face off in the main event of UFC 291 with the highly anticipated vacant BMF belt at stake. The conception of this title originates from Nate Diaz and it was further popularized during his matchup against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244. Although the BMF title is symbolic, it returned for the Poirier vs Gaethje match following Masvidal’s retirement.
Chiesa expressed his enthusiasm towards the match stating, “I think it’s going to be a fun fight. It’s going to be violent, it’s going to be chaotic, and I love the fact they’re fighting for the BMF title. I think this fight validates the BMF title. These are two guys that, either one of these guys could have been an undisputed world champion if there wasn’t a guy named Khabib Nurmagomedov at the top of the mountain. So, I think these two guys fighting for this belt validates it and it’s going to be a tremendous fight for the fans.” The last time Poirier and Gaethje fought was in the 2018 fight of the year, where Poirier took the win by fourth-round TKO. Five years later, a rematch is underway although the concept of the BMF title had a mixed reception.
Even though there was controversy at the original conceptualization of the BMF title, Chiesa admitted that he wasn’t thrilled about it partly because Donald Cerrone wasn’t chosen to fight for it. As according to Chiesa, being the original BMF, Cerrone was his first choice. However, in the context of this fight, Chiesa feels the pairing is deserving of the BMF title. He also notes that despite being symbolic, the BMF title serves as an excellent promotional tool. With the increasing difficulty in stacking cards with multiple title fights in a calendar year, Chiesa believes having a special title like the BMF can help. Poirier-Gaethje could be a five-round, non-title, pay-per-view main event fight that can easily sell. Chiesa sees the BMF title as adding to this appeal.