This year's fight was scheduled for five rounds, but few expected it to go to a judges' decision. Both fighters are known for their attractive fighting style, getting into open exchanges and forcing quick decisions. The first round was proof of that.

There was no question of any calculation or going down to the ground. Poirier and Gaethje exchanged kicks and punches, and although 'Highlight' looked better for most of the round, it was also him that showed the effects of the fight most evidently. One of Poirier's punches injured his left eye, which caused a flow of blood to pour.

In the second round, however, Gaethje showed that he wasn't worried about his injured eye. He attacked with a high kick, which 'Diamond' had previously blocked, but now his hand didn't manage to reach his head and the punch completely shut down his power.

Referee Herb Dean immediately stepped in between the fighters, ending the bout, with Poirier still stunned.

Gaethje will now likely have the chance to fight for the lightweight belt. In a few weeks, its holder Islam Machachev will defend it in a bout with Charles Oliveira.

In the other clashes of the UFC 291 main card, Alex Pereira defeated Jan Blachowicz on points, Derrick Lewis finished Marcos Lime de Rogerio with punches in a matter of seconds, Tony Ferguson was submitted by Bobby Green and the same fate befell Micheal Chiesa in his clash with Kevin Holland.