Read about the exciting fights and controversial callouts at UFC 291 in our latest article. Find out who emerged victorious and the heated exchanges between fighters.
Welcome to Sportskeeda’s daily MMA News Roundup, where we bring you the latest updates from the world of mixed martial arts. In this edition, we dive into the action-packed UFC 291 event that took place in Salt Lake City on Saturday. The highlight of the night was a thrilling lightweight BMF title fight that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Ferguson’s Heartbreak and Holland’s Submission
UFC 291 delivered an unforgettable night of fights, with nine finishes throughout the event. Unfortunately for long-time UFC fans, Tony Ferguson suffered yet another defeat, this time at the hands of Bobby Green. It was a heartbreaking moment for Ferguson, who has been struggling to find his rhythm in recent fights.
On a brighter note, Kevin Holland showcased his skills with a spectacular submission victory. The crowd erupted as Holland locked in a submission hold, forcing his opponent to tap out. It was a statement win for Holland, who continues to climb the ranks in the middleweight division.
Lewis’ Lightning-Fast TKO and Pereira’s Contender Status
Derrick Lewis wasted no time in his fight, securing a lightning-fast TKO victory in just 33 seconds. The crowd was left in awe as Lewis unleashed a barrage of strikes, overwhelming his opponent. The victory solidifies Lewis’ position as a top heavyweight contender.
In another thrilling matchup, Alex Pereira emerged as the next light heavyweight contender. He narrowly defeated Jan Blachowicz in a split decision, showcasing his striking prowess and resilience. Pereira’s victory sets the stage for an exciting future in the light heavyweight division.
Gaethje’s Stunning Knockout and McGregor’s Controversial Comments
The main event of UFC 291 featured a highly anticipated clash between Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier. Gaethje delivered a stunning knockout victory in the second round, reminiscent of Leon Edwards’ famous head kick. The crowd erupted as Gaethje’s kick connected, sending Poirier crashing to the canvas.
However, the victory was not without controversy. Immediately after the fight, Conor McGregor took to Twitter to make disrespectful comments about Gaethje. McGregor called out Gaethje for the BMF belt, disregarding Michael Chandler in the process. The social media feud between McGregor and Gaethje has ignited a firestorm of speculation and anticipation for their potential matchup.
Chandler’s Response and the BMF Belt
Michael Chandler, who has been eyeing a shot at the BMF belt, responded to McGregor’s callout. Chandler urged McGregor to provide a sample to USADA, referencing the controversy surrounding McGregor’s return. Chandler also expressed his interest in facing Gaethje for the BMF belt, adding fuel to the already intense rivalry.
Vinicius Salvador’s Resemblance to Andrew Tate
One of the intriguing storylines from UFC 291 was the uncanny resemblance between Vinicius Salvador and social media sensation Andrew Tate. Salvador, who competed against CJ Vergara, caught the attention of fans due to his bald head and similar facial hair. Fans took to social media to share their amusement, comparing Salvador to Tate and joking about their resemblance.
Arianny Celeste’s Absence and Fan Disappointment
Arianny Celeste, a beloved UFC ring girl known as the ‘UFC mama’, has been noticeably absent from recent events. Fans expressed their disappointment when another ring girl, Brookliyn Wren, confirmed that Celeste is no longer a ring girl but is still with the company. Fans reminisced about the dynamic duo of Celeste and Brittany Palmer, referring to them as a ‘dream team’ of octagon girls.
Stay tuned for more updates and news from the world of MMA!