Welcome to another exciting edition of UFC results, as this time we check in on all the action that was UFC 291. For just the third time, the Octagon set up shop in Salt Lake City, Utah, as Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje battled for the symbolic “BMF” title. The bout was a rematch of a “Fight of the Year” won by Poirier. Also, former champion Jan Blachowicz returned to action, taking on fellow former titleholder Alex Pereira in a light heavyweight contest. Now, let us get to the UFC results.
UFC Results: Crowning Of New BMF Champion
Five years ago, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje put on a classic, as Poirier scored a fourth round finish in a “Fight of the Year.” The two squared off for a second time in the main event of UFC 291 live from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Gaethje got his redemption, connecting with a head-kick that floored Poirier early in the second round. In the opening five minutes, Poirier gained an advantage, but it was all for nothing, as “The Highlight” delivered.
The 34-year-old moved to 25-4 overall and 3-1 in his last four fights.
Alex Pereira Wins Battle Of Former Titleholders
Light heavyweight appears to be a perfect fit for Alex Pereira. The former middleweight champion downed ex-champion Jan Blachowicz at 205 pounds, positioning himself as a contender in the division.
With the title vacant, Pereira displayed the same skills that saw him finish Israel Adesanya last year for the title. He dropped the bout in a rematch this past April and made the decision to move up in weight classes.
Blachowicz was fighting for the first time since battling Magomed Ankalaev for the vacant belt in December. That bout was declared a split draw following five rounds of action.
Heavyweights Lewis, de Lima Square Off
In need of a strong performance, Derrick Lewis re-found his form. Lewis connected with a crazy flying knee seconds into his heavyweight encounter with Marcos Rogerio de Lima, scoring the quick finish.
The 38-year-old snapped a three-fight losing skid with the win, which was his 22nd via knockout and moved him to 27-11 overall. His last four victories have all come via knockout for Lewis, who fought for the interim title back in 2021.
Bobby Green Keeps Tony Ferguson Reeling
With just seconds left in the third round, Bobby Green cinched in an arm-triangle choke and knocked Tony Ferguson out. For Ferguson, the loss was his sixth consecutive, a stunning turn of events for the former interim lightweight champion.
However, Green was able to earn a much-needed victory, getting his hand raised for the first time in four fights. The victory was also the 30th of his career.
Kevin Holland kicked off the main card with a thrilling first round submission of Michael Chiesa. Holland locked in his brabo choke on the former Ultimate Fighter winner to earn his second finish of 2023.
Finishes Galore On ABC/ESPN Prelims
The prelims, which received incredible coverage, airing live on ABC, ESPN and streaming on ESPN+, featured five finishes among the six fights.
That included in the main event where Gabriel Bonfim locked in a first round submission on Trevin Giles. C.J. Vergara went the distance with Vinicius Salvador, winning for the second straight time.
Roman Kopylov landed a perfectly-timed head-kick on Claudio Ribeiro 30 seconds into the second round, while Jake Matthews submitted Darrius Flowers.
On the early prelims, Uros Medic stopped Matthew Semelsberger and Miranda Maverick submitted Priscila Cachoeira.
What Is Up Next
The Octagon heads to Nashville, Tennessee this coming Saturday for the first time since 2019. In the main event, former interim bantamweight title challenger Cory Sandhagen squares off with Rob Font.
Sandhagen was scheduled to meet Umar Nurmagomedov, but an injury forced him out. The bout will take place at a catchweight of 140 pounds.
Jessica Andrade meets Tatiana Suarez and Dustin Jacoby battles Kennedy Nzechukwu in other scheduled fights.
UFC Results
UFC 291 (from Salt Lake City, Utah)
Justin Gaethje def. Dustin Poirier via KO (head-kick) at 1:00 of Round 2
Alex Pereira def. Jan Blachowicz via split decision
Derrick Lewis def. Marcos Rogerio de Lima via TKO (strikes) at :33 of Round 1
Bobby Green def. Tony Ferguson via technical submission (arm-triangle choke) at 4:54 of Round 3
Kevin Holland def. Michael Chiesa via submission (brabo choke) at 2:39 of Round 1
Gabriel Bonfim def. Trevin Giles via submission (guillotine choke) at 1:13 of Round 1
C.J. Vergara def. Vinicius Salvador via unanimous decision
Roman Kopylov def. Claudio Ribeiro via KO (head-kick) at :33 of Round 2
Jake Matthews def. Darrius Flowers via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:37 of Round 2
Uros Medic def. Matthew Semelsberger via TKO (strikes) at 2:36 of Round 3
Miranda Maverick def. Priscila Cachoeria via submission (armbar) at 2:11 of Round 3
