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Dustin Poirier makes a bold prediction for his upcoming lightweight title unification bout with Khabib Nurmagomedov.
In exactly two weeks, interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier will take on official champ Khabib Nurmagomedov in a highly anticipated title unification bout at UFC 242. And, not only is Poirier planning on becoming the first man to beat Nurmagomedov, but ‘The Diamond’ has every intention on finishing the undefeated Dagestani on fight night.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the bout, a confident and assertive Poirier said he will finish Khabib by submission or knockout, something which none of Nurmagomedov’s previous opponents have ever come close to achieving.
“I keep going back and forth,” the interim lightweight titleholder said, per Nassir Jabbar of Sport Bible. “I feel like I can submit Khabib, but feel like I’m going to stop him. I don’t know how it’s going to happen, but I’m either going to knock him out or I’m going to submit him. I’m going to finish Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Not only does @DustinPoirier plan to be the first to beat Khabib Nurmagomedov at #UFC242: He says he’ll finish him. pic.twitter.com/C6GRS2yit2
— MMA Junkie (@MMAjunkie) August 23, 2019
“Of course, it’s a huge danger. I don’t want this guy to get on top of me and start pulling away with rounds. We only have five of them. If you let a guy lay on you for three, you need a finish. That’s not what I’m trying to do in there.”
Khabib is renowned for his world class takedowns and relentless pressure, but Poirier’s gameplan is to impose his own will on the Russian and overwhelm the champion with sheer volume.
“I’m not worried about his takedowns so much. I need to hurt this guy. That’s a huge part of this training camp. Putting myself in good positions to win the rounds and win the fight. Staying off the fence. Getting up off the ground. But, at the same time, I need to do what I do.
”I have the opportunity to make history and do something that’s never been done. I’m embracing that… I’m just excited that I put myself in this position and that I have an opportunity to show the world how great I am on the biggest scale possible and unify these belts. Make history – that’s what this is about.”
UFC 242: Khabib vs. Poirier takes place next month, Sept. 7 at du Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.