Match Preview: UFC 242 – Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Dustin Poirier

American martial artist Poirier is going to face the current UFC Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov on September 7 at Abu Dhabi.

It is not going to be easy for Dustin Poirier to beat Russian martial artist Khabib Nurmagomedov.

The 30-year-old Khabib has won a total of 27 matches in his career and still stands undefeated. Out of his 27 wins in MMA, 11 wins have come since he joined the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). He holds the record of longest undefeated streak in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts).

Khabib Nurmagomedov has 11 UFC wins in his career | Others | Sports | DKODING | Image Credits: Forbes

In his two previous matches with Poirier, Khabib have won in both the matches and defended his UFC title successfully.

In this match too, Khabib will try hard to defend his belt and maintain his perfect record against Dustin Poirier.

A few months ago, Dustin Poirier won the Interim UFC Lightweight Championship by beating Max Holloway at UFC 236. Khabib Nurmagomedov was not the part of this Championship due to the suspension. In October 2018, Khabib was suspended for leaping over the cage after he forced McGregor to tap in their UFC 229 match.

Current Interim UFC Lightweight champion Poirier is the underdog in this match but it is not going to be easy for Khabib to beat Dustin Poirier.

Khabib and Poirier’s views on this clash:

Two days ago Khabib Nurmagomedov said, he is taking Poirier’s challenge very seriously. “Dustin Poirier’s a very tough opponent. I don’t want to underestimate him. He has a lot of experience. But when I go to the cage, my plan is to make him tired, make him tap. This is my plan.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier during the press conference | UFC | Others | Sports | DKODING | Image Credits: Cnet

On the other hand, Dustin Poirier said, he is ready to prove wrong everyone. “I’ve had naysayers my whole life and overcome the odds. “I just can’t be broken. I will not be broken. I’m here to make history.”

The match starts at 11:30 PM (IST) in ‘The Arena’, Abu Dhabi. It will be interesting to see Poirier’s approach against the current UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.