UFC world erupts after Justin Gaethje’s brutal finish

Fight fans couldn’t believe their eyes when a veteran fighter delivered one of the wildest knockouts you’re ever likely to see.

Justin Gaethje knocks out Dustin Poirier at UFC 291. Photo: Twitter

It can take less than a second for the MMA world to be rocked and that’s exactly what happened in the climax of an epic UFC 291 in Salt Lake City.

After a huge build-up, there was enormous interest in the long-awaited rematch between lightweight veterans Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje.

One minute into the second round, Gaethje rocked the sport to its core after spotting a gap in Poirier’s defence and landing a high right-foot kick square on the side of his head.

UFC 291 | SUN JULY 30: Dustin Poirier v Justin Gaethje 2 and Jan Blachowicz v Alex Pereira. ORDER ON MAIN EVENT ON KAYO SPORTS >

Poirier looked out before he hit the canvas, Gaethje managing to land one more punch before the fight was called.

The response from the UFC world was swift and intense.

“Daaaaaamn! Did not expect a head kick KO from Gaethje,” wrote Australian champion Alex Volkanovski on Twitter. “Wow.”

The moment Justin Gaethje knocks out Dustin Poirier and shocked the sport at UFC 291. Photo: Twitter

Another Twitter user wasn’t quite so eloquent, writing simply: “Holy f**k.”

Poirier won the first match-up between the Americans, earning a TKO on punches in round 4 way back on April 14, 2018 in Arizona.

With a likely world title shot on the line for the victory in Utah, Gaethje grabbed the opportunity in the most commanding style imaginable.

JUSTIN GAETHJE KO's POIRIER BY HEAD KICK 😱

WE HAVE A NEW BMF #UFC291pic.twitter.com/eUunAPoHnO

— UFC (@ufc) July 30, 2023

Daaaaaaamn! Did not expect a head kick KO from Gaethje. Wow. #ufc291

— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) July 30, 2023

#UFC291 holy fuck pic.twitter.com/Dx3Pe9UQvW

— Luismata2168 (@luismata2168) July 30, 2023

Earlier, rising Australian UFC fighter Jake Matthews earned praise for his “great sportsmanship” after his latest victory in Utah.

Opening the preliminary card at UFC 291, Matthews earned a submission victory over Darrius Flowers, who had been a late call-up for the fight.

And it was his move right after the fight that has earned the Victorian some plaudits.

Immediately after Flowers tapped out due to Matthews’ rear-naked choke 2:37 into the second round, the Australian welterweight dropped down to check on his wellbeing.

Matthews gave him a few friendly taps on the back and the pair later embraced.

“Pure class from Jake Matthews, who showed great discipline in that fight as well.” wrote one fan on Twitter.

“Great sportsmanship here, check on the dude you just defeated,” wrote another.

Pure class from Jake Matthews, who showed great discipline in that fight as well

— Matty Betss (@MattyBetss) July 30, 2023

The victory improved Matthews’ overall record to 19-6 as he bounced back from a unanimous decision loss to Matthew Semelsberger in December last year.

Flowers had stepped in at the last minute to replace Miguel Baeza, who pulled out a week from the bout due to an undisclosed injury.

Matthews was asked after the bout if he had any opponents in mind, with an event in Abu Dhabi in October seemingly next up on his schedule.

The Australian revealed he had a longstanding beef with a particular American welterweight.

“Are there any names you want in Abu Dhabi?” he was asked in his post-fight press conference.

“Kevin Holland called me out at weigh-in,” Matthews said breaking out a huge grin.

Jake Matthews (left) of Australia seen in his defeat to Sean Brady during the UFC 259 event at UFC APEX on March 06, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

“I called him out a long time ago because I was trying to get ... I think it was when my opponent pulled out and I was in Vegas.

“I was calling everyone out. And then (Kevin) goes ‘did you call me out?’ I said yes, so he said ‘we’re fighting in two weeks’.

“I’m like relax mate. We’ll fight, but let’s win these fights first.

“If he did mean that, we could tear that up. That’d be a fun fight.”

Matthews dictated the majority of Sunday’s fight in Utah, but was keen to pay tribute to Flowers afterwards for ensuring the bout could go ahead.

Jake Matthews forces the tap in round 2️⃣#UFC291 LIVE on ABC and ESPN 🍿 pic.twitter.com/LqrQ6Lkbqh

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 30, 2023

“We knew he’d put the pressure from the first round. Our goal was to just weather that storm, wait for him to tire out and then finish him as we did,” the Australian opened.

‘But it’s not about me. Darius, it’s guys like Darius that we’re able to fight, put food on the tables for our kids.

“He stepped up and took the flight short-notice. So a massive thank you to Darius.”

There was a highly contentious moment earlier in the second round when time was stopped due to what was interpreted as a low kick from the Victorian.

Jake Matthews embraces Darrius Flowers after their fight at UFC 291 pic.twitter.com/U4Y8sfdTE5

— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) July 30, 2023

Matthews and many in the crowd didn’t agree, but the Aussie accepted the ruling.

“If the referee says it was too low, then it was too low. It did hit the belt of his shorts, so that’s on me,” Matthews said.

“I could feel his power and energy wearing out. I knew it was just a matter of time until he gave up the sub.

“I didn’t want to force the submission, I didn’t want to rush, I wanted to wait until he gave it to me, and then I’d know it was over.”

Originally published as UFC world erupts after Justin Gaethje’s brutal finish