Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images
Dustin Poirier will look to become the first man to solve the puzzle that is Khabib Nurmagomedov, as he is lined up to face “The Eagle” in the main event of UFC 242 on Sept. 7, 2019 in Abu Dhabi in a highly-anticipated Lightweight title unification match.
Before then, let’s take a trip down memory lane to see one of “The Diamond’s” masterful performances during his current run. Back in April of 2018, Dustin saw himself staring down one of the most electric fighters in the game today, Justin Gaethje, in the main event of UFC on FOX 29.
Fans knew they’d be in for a war, and they weren’t disappointed, as the fight played out on the feet, much to everyone’s delight. Early on, Justin was utilizing his kicking game, peppering Dustin’s legs repeatedly. Poirier, though, fought through the pain and kept on firing off his own offense.
Still, Dustin was taking damage early, even suffering a bad eye poke which hindered his vision. In visible pain, Poirier – battered and bruised — sucked it up and kept fighting through. In round three, however, Poirier was the victim of yet another eye poke, one that cost Justin a point.
Early in round four though, Dustin managed to sneak in a wicked left hand that rocked “The Highlight,” putting him on wobbly legs and retreating. Like a true predator, Poirier pounced on his wounded foe, clipping him with one solid strike after another until Herb Dean decided enough was enough.
The victory added to Dustin’s current four-fight win streak, and helped earned him his much-desired showdown against one of the greatest 155-pound fighters in the history of the sport. It truly is the biggest fight of Dustin’s career, one which could catapult him into the upper echelon of elite fighters if he can hand Khabib his first loss.
To see the entire UFC 242: “Khabib vs Poirier” fight card click here.