In the electrifying world of mixed martial arts, there are moments that transcend titles and trophies, moments where friendship and loyalty take center stage. Jorge Masvidal, the BMF titleholder, experienced one such moment when his close friend and teammate, Dustin Poirier, faced off against Justin Gaethje for the coveted BMF strap at UFC 291.
Back in November 2019, when Masvidal claimed the BMF title after defeating Nate Diaz, he envisioned the belt finding a permanent home at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida. With Poirier stepping into the octagon against Gaethje, Masvidal was certain that the title would remain within the team’s grasp.
However, the fight took a dramatic turn. Gaethje, in a display of sheer brilliance, executed a devastating head kick in the second round that sent Poirier crashing to the canvas. The unthinkable had happened; the BMF belt was now in Gaethje’s possession.
Reflecting on this moment, Masvidal admitted, “S***, man. I’ve known my boy ‘DP’ for a minute, and we’ve been training out of American Top Team for a f****** long time.” The disappointment was palpable as he watched Gaethje take the title he had believed would be his teammate’s.
Despite the setback, Masvidal remains steadfast in his belief that Poirier is the superior fighter. He firmly asserted, “I think Dustin is better than Gaethje, and I think if they fight again, Dustin could do that to Gaethje.” This unwavering faith in his friend’s abilities demonstrates the bond that exists among fighters at the highest level.
The fight between Poirier and Gaethje epitomized the essence of the BMF title—two warriors who relentlessly pursue victory and go for the finish. These elite fighters embody the spirit of the sport, characterized by their killer instinct and unyielding determination to secure the win.
Before the bout, Gaethje saw the prospect of Masvidal wrapping the belt around the winner as a badge of honor. He anticipated Masvidal’s discomfort in doing so, relishing the moment even more. Masvidal understood Gaethje’s mindset, acknowledging, “That’s what he’s supposed to say to promote himself, but if he takes anything personally, he’s just a f****** idiot, right?” Friendship and loyalty transcend promotional banter, and Masvidal’s loyalty to Poirier was unwavering.
Recently, Masvidal made headlines by suggesting that Gaethje should defend the BMF title against him. Although Masvidal announced his retirement from fighting after a decision loss to Gilbert Burns, he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of returning to the cage. The itch to compete lingers, and should he decide to return, a showdown with Gaethje for the BMF belt could be in the cards.
In Masvidal’s words, “Nothing personal against Gaethje. When I get bored of retirement from fighting, of promoting and I retire from that, a couple of years from now, we’ll fight for the BMF belt.” This prospect offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future, where two exceptional fighters may cross paths once more, driven by their passion for the sport and the desire to secure that coveted paycheck.
For now, Masvidal is immersed in his role as a promoter, but the allure of the octagon remains ever-present. The tale of Jorge Masvidal and his unwavering confidence in Dustin Poirier continues, a testament to the enduring bonds forged in the world of MMA.
