.png)
The promotion revealed the whole main card for its return to Salt Lake City, Utah on July 29, 2023, as well as a few preliminary matches. Two of the top fighters in the lightweight division, Dustin Poirier (29-7, 1 no contest) and Justin Gaethje (24-4), square off in the main event. Dana White, the president of the UFC, insisted that the Baddest Motherf—ker (BMF) championship from UFC 244 in November 2019 was a one-time event, but it will return for Poirier vs. Gaethje 2.
When Poirier and Gaethje first met in April 2018, it resulted in an incredible fight that many people considered to be the best fight of the year. In the end, "The Diamond" triumphed over "The Highlight," scoring a technical knockout with punches in the fourth round. Since then, each fighter has challenged for the title of undisputed UFC champion, but in their rematch, Jorge Masvidal's belt would be up for grabs.
Former UFC Middleweight champion Alex Pereira (7-2) makes his Octagon Light Heavyweight debut in the co-main event. None other than Poland's Jan Blachowicz (29-9-1)—the previous 205-pound champion—will be standing in "Poatan's" way. In the current official standings for the category, Blachowicz is ranked third.
Also back in action at UFC 291 will be one-time Middleweight title challenger, Paulo Costa (14-2), taking on rising prospect, Ikram Aliskerov (14-1). Costa will have back-to-back fights in Salt Lake City, defeating Luke Rockhold via unanimous decision in Aug. 2022.