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Get up to date with the main event of UFC 242 between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier.
In the main event of UFC 242 this Saturday, undefeated lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov (27-0 MMA, 11-0 UFC) takes on interim lightweight champ Dustin Poirier (25-5-1 NC MMA, 17-4-1 NC UFC). UFC 242 takes place live this Saturday night, September 7, from Abu Dhabi, UAE. The main card airs on PPV via ESPN+ starting with a fight time of 2:00 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT, with the FX prelims beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET and Fight Pass prelims kicking off at 10:15 a.m. ET.
How do these two stack up?
Khabib: 30 years old | 5’10” | 72.5” reach
Poirier: 30 years old | 5’9” | 76” reach
What have these two done recently?
Khabib: W – Conor McGregor (SUB) | W- Al Iaquinta (DEC) | W – Edson Barboza (DEC)
Poirier: W – Max Holloway (DEC) | W – Eddie Alvarez (TKO) | W – Justin Gaethje (TKO)
How did these two get here?
It’s Khabib’s first return to the octagon in almost a year after being hit with a nine-month suspension for his involvement in the post-fight brawl after his win over Conor McGregor at UFC 229. The Russian was eligible to return as earlier as April, however this will be his first fight since submitting the Irishman in which he defended his UFC lightweight title for the first time. Nurmagomedov won the title back at UFC 223 in April of last year when he beat Al Iaquinta by decision, however in this fight against Poirier the undefeated Khabib isn’t as favoured as he usually is, and many predict it will be a tough night for Nurmagomedov.
Poirier has been incredible ever since his move up to lightweight, but his most recent wins have undeniably been the most impressive. Knocking out the gritty Eddie Alvarez and Justin Gaethje, Poirier instantly made himself a title contender in a stacked lightweight division, and it was for this reason “Diamond” secured himself an interim lightweight title shot against Max Holloway earlier this year. Winning that fight by one-sided decision, Poirier certainly has what it takes to give Khabib his toughest test yet this weekend.
Why should you care?
Poirier’s immense confidence in himself makes this matchup with the undefeated Nurmagomedov extremely compelling, you have to watch it.