Gallery Khabib Nurmagomedov def. Conor McGregor at UFC 229: Best photos view 15 images

The fight still has not officially been announced, but all signs point to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier meeting in a lightweight title unification bout at UFC 242 in September.

At least that’s what one of the fighters is starting to prepare for.

Nurmagomedov (27-0 MMA, 11-0 UFC), the unbeaten 155-pound champion, is about to start training camp for UFC 242, according to American Kickboxing Academy head coach Javier Mendez. The expectation since the card was announced was that “The Eagle” would headline against Poirier (25-5 MMA, 17-4 UFC), and those plans still appear on track (via Instagram):

Excited to start camp with the @khabib_nurmagomedov for Sept 7th @ufc Abu Dhabi against a very tough challenge in Dustin Poirier. But at end of that Night🦅🦅💪🏽🦅it will be and Still

UFC 242 takes place Sept. 7 in Abu Dhabi with a main card on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.

Nurmagomedov, No. 1 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie MMA lightweight rankings, hasn’t fought since a successful title defense against Conor McGregor at UFC 229 in October. He was suspended for his role in the post-fight melee, but is eligible to return as of early July.

In his absence, No. 3-ranked Poirier has emerged as the top contender. “The Diamond” won the interim lightweight belt in April when he defeated Max Holloway by unanimous decision at UFC 236. Poirier said he’s embracing the challenge of fighting Nurmagomedov and intends to pull off the upset.

Both men seem focused on a September unifier, now it’s on the UFC to make the fight official.

For more on UFC 242, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.