Dana White explains decision to put the BMF title on the line for Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje
Dana White made headlines when he announced that the BMF title would be on the line for the upcoming Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje main event at UFC 291.
During his UFC Vegas 73 post-event press conference, White explained the decision to bring back the BMF title, which was won by Jorge Masvidal but never defended. He mentioned that the idea was discussed during the weekly matchmakers meeting and that Masvidal's retirement was a factor in the decision:
"[It was] war room s***...Every Tuesday we're in there, and as we were putting that card together for Utah, we thought that Poirier and Gaethje is such an awesome fight. Masvidal retired, so we put the BMF [title on the line]." [h/t MMA Fighting]
The UFC president also brought up that the BMF title is very popular among the fighters. He mentioned that the title's popularity was the reason why he decided to bring it back for UFC 291 because of Poirier and Gaethje's reputations and accomplishments in the promotion, saying:
"You have no idea how many of these fighters want to fight for the BMF title...They all want to fight for that belt. It's fun, it's different, so we'll do it again...Whether that thing is in play, or not in play, that fight is what it is. Everybody wants that belt, so what the hell?" [h/t MMA Fighting]
It will be interesting to see whether White will continue booking BMF title fights for whoever wins the fight, as that wasn't the case after 'Gamebred' won the title.
Check out the full video:
Dana White sounds off on Francis Ngannou signing with the PFL
Dana White scoffed at Francis Ngannou's signing with the PFL after declining the UFC's contract offer in order to test free agency.
During the aforementioned press conference, the UFC president was asked about the multi-fight PFL deal and mentioned that it didn't make sense to him. He mentioned that he didn't understand why the PFL is paying the former heavyweight champion not to fight until 2024, saying:
"It makes no sense to me. You're going to pay the guy not to fight for a year, and it's already been like 18 months. He's [Francis Ngannou] fought three times in the last three years. It's just not what we do here. It's not what we do."
Dana White is not thrilled about Francis Ngannou's new PFL contract 👀
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