It’s fight week and on Saturday 7th September at the du Arena, Abu Dhabi, Khabib ”The Eagle’ Nurmagomedov will be headlining UFC 242 and putting his lightweight title on the line against the interim champion Dustin ‘The Diamond’ Poirier. This is following Dustin’s dominant performance against Max Holloway at UFC 236 to claim the interim belt and earn his shot at the lightweight title. Dustin believes he has what it takes to cause the upset and be the first fighter in the UFC to hand Khabib his first defeat “I’m going to go out there and do what hasn’t been done and put a loss on Khabib’s record for all the underdogs across the world”. With Khabib’s last win over former lightweight champion Conor McGregor being overshadowed by post-fight antics the MMA community are eager for his return and third defense of the lightweight belt.
The co-main event will feature Paul Felder vs Edson Barboza in a rematch of their exciting first bout back in 2015. Paul lost the fight on a split decision and both fighters will surely be looking at getting back to winning ways after recent losses. Khabib’s fellow countryman and lightweight prospect Islam Makhachev will also be facing Andres Ramos on the stacked main card. Makhachev will be looking to extend his 6 fight win streak and if successful against Ramos will hopefully be pitted against a top ten ranked lightweight. There is heavyweight action as well with Curtis Blaydes vs Shamil Abdurakhimov. Having only two losses against the heavy-hitting Francis Ngannou Blaydes will be certain to be looking to put on a show and come home with the win and continue his promising Heavyweight career.
UFC 242 Main Card:
Lightweight Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Dustin Poirier Title Fight
Lightweight Edson Barboza vs Paul Felder
Lightweight Islam Makhachev vs David Ramos
Heavyweight Curtis Blaydes vs Shamil Abdurakhimov
Lightweight Mairbek Taisumov vs Diego Ferreira
UFC 242 Undercard:
Flyweight Joanne Calderwood vs. Andrea Lee
Featherweight Zubaira Tukhugov vs Lerone Murphy
Bantamweight Liana Jojua vs. Sarah Moras
Lightweight Ottman Azaitar vs. Teemu Packalen
Welterweight Belal Muhammad vs. Takashi Sato
Welterweight Nordine Taleb vs. Muslim Salikhov
Middleweight Omari Akhmedov vs. Zak Cummings
Lightweight Don Madge vs Fares Ziam
