YouTube / UFC
The latest UFC Embedded episode for UFC 254 is out, and it tracks all the headliners across the Fight Island hotel in Abu Dhabi as they prepare for one of the biggest events of the year.
It’s UFC 254 fight week and that means a new episode of UFC Embedded every day leading up to what is looking like the biggest card of the year. The pay-per-view features lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov fighting challenger Justin Gaethje … but for Episode 3 of UFC 254 Embedded we start things off with undercard fighter Tai Tuivasa, and it wouldn’t be a Tuivasa fight card without a bunch of people doing shoeys.
Shoeys, for those that don’t know, is when you take some random person’s stanky worn shoe, have your mate spit in it, and then skull a beer out of it. Just Bogan Things, you know? In this case, Tuivasa teaches the tradition to the Nelk Boys, some YouTube stars we are completely ignorant of, who of course are then forced to drink each others’ shoeys. The price you pay for internet fame!
Then things go into the fight hotel where we get to see Jared Cannonier get temperature gunned before being allowed into the training facilities. Cannonier says he’s not even cutting weight for this fight … the only reason he’s on the treadmill is to keep up his fight cardio.
And then it’s the part you were all waiting for: the beautiful reunion of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Khabib Nurmagomedov. There’s nothing more entertaining than watching “DC” razz Khabib, and after a touching bit of hugging and rough housing, Cormier digs in at Khabib for wearing fancy shoes. Classic Cormier!
“My style is always like pressure,” Khabib says. “Make you tired. Take you down on the ground and maul you. I don’t think Justin can do this.”
Then it’s on to Justin Gaethje signing posters, where his mom reveals he used to spend hours in school practicing his signature “because I planned on signing big checks some day.”
Catch all the rest of the UFC Embedded episodes right here:
And remember, MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 254 fight card right here, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. ET, then the remaining undercard balance on ESPN 2/ESPN+ at 12 p.m. ET, before the PPV main card start time at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
To check out the latest and greatest UFC 254: “Khabib vs. Gaethje” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.