Unbeaten Khabib stakes crown vs Poirier in UFC 242

MANILA, Philippines – Russian Khabib Nurmagomedov puts his unbeaten record on the line as he slugs it out with Dustin Poirier of the US in UFC 242 lightweight championship on September 8 at The Arena in Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

Nurmagomedov has racked up an impressive 27-win feat that included victories over tough fighters likes Darell Horcher, Edson Barboza and Conor McGregor, spiking most of his triumphs through submission that further underscores his grappling skills.

A natural fighter by profession, Nurmagomedov also has a flourishing career outside of the UFC, bagging two championships each in Combat sambo and grappling and one gold in pankration.

But the American fighter will be coming into the match all psyched up. Currently at No. 8 in the official UFC pound-for-pound rankings, Poirier is one of the sport’s rising stars with 25 wins and five loses.

UFC 242 will be shown live on FOX+ on Sunday.

Poirier launched his UFC career in big fashion in 2011, beating Josh Grispi in UFC 125 via unanimous decision, then hurdled the likes of Eddie Alvarez, Anthony Pettis and Max Holloway to get into the mix.

But Poirier, a straight-up striker, will have his hands full against Nurmagomedov, whose fighting style clearly favors close up strikes.