TLDR: UFC 291 is already shaping up to be an exciting event, headlined by Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje for the ‘BMF’ title. Two additional fights have been announced: Roman Kopylov vs. Claudio Ribeiro in the middleweight division and Matthew Semelsberger vs. Yohan Lainesse in the welterweight division. The placement of these bouts on the card is likely to be on the preliminary card. UFC 291 promises to deliver a thrilling night of fights across multiple weight classes.
UFC 291 is generating significant buzz ahead of its scheduled date on July 29 at Salt Lake City’s Delta Center. The event will be headlined by a highly anticipated lightweight clash between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, with the UFC’s coveted ‘BMF’ title on the line after it was vacated by Jorge Masvidal’s retirement.
With six bouts already confirmed for the event, including Jan Blachowicz vs. Alex Pereira in the light-heavyweight division and Paulo Costa vs. Ikram Aliskerov in the middleweight division, two more fights have now been unveiled by reputable MMA reporter Marcel Dorff.
Dorff announced that middleweights Roman Kopylov and Claudio Ribeiro will face off at UFC 291. Ribeiro holds a 1-1 record in the octagon and secured his first victory in the promotion in May against Joseph Holmes. Kopylov, on the other hand, holds a 2-2 record in the promotion and has won his last two fights, with his most recent victory coming by stopping Punahele Soriano.
In addition, Dorff revealed a welterweight showdown between Matthew Semelsberger and Yohan Lainesse. Semelsberger suffered a loss to Jeremiah Wells earlier this year but boasts an overall octagon record of 5-3. Lainesse, who made his UFC debut in 2022, has faced two defeats in his three bouts with the promotion.
While the official placement of these fights on the event card is yet to be confirmed, it is likely that both matchups will be featured on the preliminary card. As UFC 291 continues to take shape, fans can look forward to an action-packed event with a stacked lineup of talented fighters from various weight classes.
