Former referee ‘Big’ John McCarthy has weighed in on the legality of Justin Gaethje’s stunning second-round head kick KO against Dustin Poirier at UFC 291.
On Saturday night, Gaethje gave fans a sequel to last year’s ‘Headshot, Dead’ moment by delivering his own jaw-dropping finish against lightweight rival Dustin Poirier. ‘The Highlight’ was the toast of the town following his highlight-reel-worthy finish, getting some attention from former opponent Michael Chandler and Irish megastar Conor McGregor. Gaethje also left the Delta Center as the promotion’s newly designated baddest motherf*cker in the game.
But as the dust began to settle, some fans came out questioning whether or not Justin Gaethje’s head kick finish was actually legal. On Twitter, one user, in particular, noted that Gaethje’s foot appeared to wrap around and tag the back of Dustin Poirier’s head, making it an illegal strike.
“I’m not advocating for anything to be done about it but I watched back Gaethje’s headkick KO & it solely landed on the back of the head/neck of Poirier which put him to sleep,” MMA Joey wrote on Twitter. “It’s clear as day in the replay. Could this in any universe be used to appeal the loss? #UFC291”
