Justin Gaethje Thinks the ‘BMF’ Belt is ‘Kind of Stupid’

Gaethje Explains His Feelings Toward the BMF Belt

I’m all for the return of the BMF title, but @miketyson need to be the one to present the belt this time.

The gimmick isn’t for everyone, but if anyone is deserving to be crowned the new BMF champ, you can’t go wrong with @justin_gaethje vs @dustinpoirier 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/5OGWHvA82W

— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) May 23, 2023

The first BMF title fight was between Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244 in November 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York, Masvidal defeated Diaz via. Third-Round TKO (Doctor Stoppage). Masvidal lost his next four fights following that contest before retiring earlier this year at UFC 287.

Cade Morehouse of Cageside Press reminded Gaethje of his previous sentiments toward titles if they aren"t the ‘real" ones and was asked how the fight with Poirier for the BMF championship came together and how he feels fighting for that championship. Gaethje responded, “They [UFC] called me and said hey, you want to fight Poirier on July 29th five rounds and I was like ‘f*** that." I don"t want to fight for five rounds if I don"t have to, there"s no reason for me, I get paid the same no matter what so I"d rather fight three rounds and I"d rather fight in Boston, August 19th, it gives me three more weeks to get ready."

“They came back and they were like what about for this belt [BMF title] we came to term on payments on what I"d be comfortable making and honestly, my true assessment when Masvidal and Diaz fought for it, I was like this is stupid and I still think it"s kind of stupid, however to the fans that say it"s stupid, I say it"s ultimately the UFC giving one more fighter, one more opportunity to win and to gain an opportunity to get pay-per-view points. This belt, just like interim belts on paper are a championship, you are a champion in the eyes of the UFC and when you are a champion, you get paid different. To the people that say it"s stupid, I say it"s the UFC literally throwing a bone and we always ask them to throw a bone, and they never do, and so I"m thankful that I get the opportunity to fight for it, especially there"s only one in the world, I think that"s pretty cool. It"s a cool-looking belt, you know I think it"s a little bit of a show but ultimately I gotta say I think it"s UFC throwing a bone and I got to be thankful for that." Gaethje said.

Gaethje was then asked how he thinks the second fight goes this time around compared to their first matchup back in April of 2018 when Poirier defeated Gaethje via. fourth round, TKO. “Since that fight, I"ve certainly grown, I"m five years older you know so I was probably 29 years old. A lot of big fights in between that day and today. I am human and I am susceptible to make mistakes. I think I made a huge mistake in the [Charles] Oliveira fight, I became super emotional and I think that"s one thing that I will not allow to happen this fight and I think it"s going to be somewhat of a chess match ultimately, but with both of us trying to create damage at all times. Five rounds, we gotta fight smart, championship fight, first one to make a mistake usually loses and ultimately, I have to be perfect. I have to fight a dog, the guy"s [Poirier] a veteran, he"s been there for so long, I"m going to have to use my athleticism, my reaction skills, my intuition to ultimately cause more damage. Hopefully, knock him out like he knocked me out or TKO"d me back in 2018."

Dustin Poirier weighs in on fighting Justin Gaethje for the BMF belt! 🏆 #UFC291

(via #TheMMAHour) pic.twitter.com/4gUnVxeWoW

— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) May 22, 2023

Do you agree with Gaethje"s thoughts on the BMF title and who wins between Gaethje and Poirier? Let us know in the comments below!

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