UFC books Dustin Poirier versus Justin Gaethje and Aljamain Sterling against Sean O'Malley

UFC president Dana White has announced a raft of bouts for the promotion’s summer pay-per-view events, including a rematch between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, and a bantamweight title clash featuring Aljamain Sterling and Sean O’Malley.

White confirmed the news in a series of videos on social media on Tuesday night, with Poirier-Gaethje headlining UFC 291 on July 29 at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City. The five-round bout, a rematch of the pair’s 2018 Fight of the Year contender, sees the UFC bring back the “BMF” title.

UFC 291 will also comprise a co-main event pitting against one another former UFC light-heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz and ex-middleweight belt-holder Alex Pereira. The fight marks Pereira’s debut at 205 lbs.

Both former title challengers, Poirier and Gaethje represent the No 2 and No 3 contenders respectively at lightweight, and are considered two of the most exciting fighters in the UFC. Their first encounter, in April 2018, was one of the most memorable fights that year, with Poirier defeating Gaethje by fourth-round TKO.

Since then, Poirier has registered six wins, including two against Conor McGregor – the first was staged in Abu Dhabi – and an interim title victory against Max Holloway. Poirier has two defeats in that time, too, both undisputed championship bouts, to Khabib Nurmagomedov – again in the UAE capital – and Charles Oliveira.

Poirier vs Gaethje 2 is OFFICIAL!#UFC291 in Salt Lake City is going to be RIDICULOUS