One of the biggest fighting events of the year is just 10 days away.
Next Saturday, September 7, will mark the highly anticipated return of UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov (27-0). “The Eagle” is set to defend his title against the lightweight interim champ – Dustin Poirier (25-5).
🇦🇪 #UFC242 – Abu Dhabi
🇷🇺 Khabib vs. Poirier 🇺🇸
🏆 UFC LW Championship
🗓 Less than TWO weeks away!
📸- @UFC pic.twitter.com/Hmr7iqaQxe— UFC For All (@UFCForAll) August 26, 2019
Even though Nurmagomedov was absent from the MMA scene for the last year, he’s the betting and fans favorite to retain his belt. His adversary is going to Abu Dhabi as an underdog, but the American believes that he will be going home as the NEW.
He even revealed who he plans to defend his title in his first bout after UFC 242.
“One hundred percent it’s Tony Ferguson without a second guess,” Poirier said. “Without any argument, it’s Tony Ferguson. No doubt.
“But I don’t think about that type of stuff because 25 minutes with Khabib is all I can focus on right now. I can’t disrespect the work that needs to be done.”
Nurmagomedov has never been beaten in MMA – but Poirier is confident he can be the first.
“I’m going out there to do something that has never been done,” he added.
“How many times in our lives or in our careers do we have the chance to really do something great? These guys are building an arena for us to compete in. I’m traveling across the world for the biggest fight I can get possible.
“I’m confident in my skills, my ability, the work I’m putting in, my commitment to martial arts, my commitment to just getting in there and letting it all go.
“I’m confident that I can trust myself that when I get in there and they lock that door I’m the better fighter and I’m in there to win. When I lay in bed, I envision myself getting the belt and being undisputed champion.”
