“I’ll trust what he says” – Veteran referee clears controversial debate around Justin Gaethje’s FLUSH headkick against Dustin Poirier at UFC 291

The head kick landed by Justin Gaethje at UFC 291 created some controversy on the internet, with fans debating its legality.

"Big" John McCarthy deems the Justin Gaethje head kick as legit amidst Twitter controversy (Image Courtesy - Twitter/Bleacher Report)

UFC 291 featured another iconic head kick when Justin Gaethje finished Dustin Poirier in the main event. However, recently, a video clip showcased that Gaethje landed the head kick on the back of Poirier’s head. It began a widespread discussion on Twitter, leading to the former MMA referee “Big” John McCarthy addressing the video footage of UFC 291.

A Twitter account, MMA Joey, asked if Poirier could appeal the loss as it landed on the backside. McCarthy responded, “Well the shin didn’t land on Dustin’s chin. It landed on Dustin’s arm which was driven into the head and jawline by the shin. The foot wrapping around towards the back of the head is totally legal.” McCarthy was the one who drafted the unified rules of MMA. His knowledge of the matter remains unmatched.

It is also to be noted that Poirier was turning his head, similar to how Junior dos Santos turned his head when Ciryl Gane landed the knockout punch at UFC 256. It was not deemed as a legit shot to the back of the head at UFC 256. Hence, the same ruling applies here as well. Another fascinating aspect remains that Dustin Poirier has yet to address the incident.

FS Video

Well the shin didn’t land on Dustin’s chin. It landed on Dustin’s arm which was driven into the head and jawline by the shin. The foot wrapping around towards the back of the head is totally legal https://t.co/J5UEiSNDBZ
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) August 1, 2023

“Big” John McCarthy retired from the world of refereeing to pursue a career in broadcasting. He remains a big part of Bellator and has a podcast with former UFC lightweight Josh Thompson. The internet has its way of identifying something that the experts have missed. The head kick landing on the back of the head remains a great example.

Fans react to Big John McCarthy’s take on Justin Gaethje’s head kick at UFC 291

The internet always manages to find something that most people miss out on. A Twitter account named MMA Joey found that Justin Gaethje’s head kick landed on the back of Poirier’s head. He wanted to know if it was illegal. Former referee “Big” John McCarthy gave his take on the internet. Check out how fans reacted to the video footage:

For what it's worth, the authority has spoken, imo. If McCarthy calls it, I'll trust what he says.
— Jack Barrett (@SeptimusFilius) August 1, 2023

Being able to wrap your foot around like that is part of the technique. Justin's kicking abilities is very underrated (outside what people talk about his calf kicks). He has a lot of dexterity and very flexible hips that let's him throw powerful kicks at very challenging angles.
— Taylor Chapman (@taylorchapman_) August 2, 2023

https://twitter.com/HofwegenIi/status/1686738501163728897

Keep in mind, this guy also made a post asking if Jan and/or Dustin should be cut. Both of which had strong arguments for competing for the belt with a win. 1 loss later and this clown thinks they’re not only HIGH level but not even worthy of being in the UFC anymore lol?
— Jordan (@mamblin_gan) August 1, 2023

He lost…tell him take it n stop acting like he can't get knocked out…it's done…
— Kenneth Clem (@KennethCle32076) August 1, 2023

In short, I believe it's something like if the intention of the strike is to hit a legal part of the of the body, it's up to the ref to determine if its a foul
— Don't Call Me Arod (@Alexander__KR) August 1, 2023

Naw fair play. Clean kick . Legs tend to wrap around the head. Dustin was moving as well . Nothing about it looks illegal.
— Muki1006 (@muki1006) August 1, 2023

Dude, you can see the whole side of his head recoil after the shin hits the jaw/side of head. Only thing that hit the back of the head were his toes/top of foot. It's a non issue.
— samdonlon@gmail.com (@tombombadil603) August 1, 2023

Not a gray issue at all… Dustin turned his head and a foot always wraps around the head during a head kick. Get a grip big girl
— Zach Keel (@zach_keel49774) August 2, 2023

Most of the fans agreed with the former MMA referee. They also added their opinion to the ongoing discussion. One user stated that Poirier’s head turned along with the kick, making it legal. There appears to be a consensus regarding the head kick and its legality.