Khabib-Poirier title unification bout official for UFC 242
The highly anticipated bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier is official after the UFC announced Tuesday that the two fighters will unify the lightweight championship at UFC 242 on Sept. 7 in Abu Dhabi.
Nurmagomedov (27-0) captured the vacant lightweight title in April 2018, defeating Al Iaquinta by unanimous decision at UFC 223. The 30-year-old last competed in October at UFC 229 when he submitted Conor McGregor in the fourth round.
"The Eagle" has stopped four of his last six opponents and is currently 11-0 in the Octagon. The AKA product's clash with Poirier marks his first scheduled matchup since he was suspended for a post-fight scuffle with McGregor's team at UFC 229.
Poirier (25-5) defeated Max Holloway by unanimous decision at UFC 236 in April to win the interim lightweight title. The American Top Team standout has gone 9-1 with one "no contest" since moving up to the 155-pound division in 2015.
The 30-year-old will be competing in his fifth straight five-round fight and has finished three of his last four opponents. "The Diamond" hasn't fought outside North America since Feb. 2013.
With the main event set, here's an updated look at the card.
- Khabib Nurmagomedov (c) vs. Dustin Poirier (ic)– lightweight title unification bout
- Shamil Abdurakhimov vs. Curtis Blaydes
- Belal Muhammad vs. Takashi Sato
- Ottman Azaitar vs. Teemu Packalen