The Lightweight title unification bout between the reigning defending 155-pound champ Khabib “Eagle” Nurmagomedov and Interim belt owner Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier headlined UFC 242 pay-per-view (PPV) event tonight (Saturday, September 7, 2019). It took place inside the Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The referee in charge of this title unification match was Marc Goddard.
Fighters were very cautious in the first minute of the first round. After a short stand-up game, Khabib Nurmagomedov was able to take Dustin Poirier to the ground and keep him there until the end of the round. From time to time, Poirier was able to get back on his feet. At the end of the first frame, Poirier survived a brutal barrage of strikes. Saved by the bell.
The second round brought a surprise, as Poirier rocked Khabib hard with a punch. Yet, the undefeated Dagestani circled around his opponent and stopped his punching attempts, then took him down again. Poirier started to bleed in the second frame.
The third round was the end of the road for Poirier. Khabib pressed him against the cage, secured a takedown, then mounted his back and finished the fight with a rear-naked choke to maintain the perfect score. Khabib remains the champ.
Here are the highlights:
It’s time to unify… WHO YOU GOT? 🏆
🦅 @TeamKhabib 🆚 @DustinPoirier 💎
📺 Watch LIVE on @BTSport Box Office: https://t.co/gOlWFDyb6p pic.twitter.com/RxbdL8LYpH
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) September 7, 2019
🗣️ "Nurmagomedov at his mauling BEST in Round 1️⃣!"@TeamKhabib #UFC242 🦅
📺 Watch LIVE on @BTSport Box Office: https://t.co/gOlWFDyb6p pic.twitter.com/I3C14HVQ87
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) September 7, 2019
UNDISPUTED. UNDEFEATED. 🏆@TeamKhabib moves to 2️⃣8️⃣-0️⃣ at #UFC242! 🦅
📺 Watch LIVE on @BTSport Box Office: https://t.co/gOlWFDyb6p pic.twitter.com/stl2ZHPsdv
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) September 7, 2019
It's a party #InAbuDhabi tonight! 🏆 #UFC242 pic.twitter.com/198p4Nv7yC
— UFC (@ufc) September 7, 2019
The respect between these two!
Absolute class acts tonight 🏆 #UFC242 pic.twitter.com/BefqoouZhz
— UFC (@ufc) September 7, 2019
Graceful in defeat.@DustinPoirier has the heart of a warrior. #UFC242 pic.twitter.com/iBDSmJpn64
— UFC (@ufc) September 7, 2019
Final Result: Khabib Nurmagomedov defeats Dustin Poirier via rear-naked choke (round 3, 2:06)
Khabib Nurmagomedov climbs to 28-0 MMA, 12-0 UFC, Dustin Poirier drops to 25-6, 1 NC MMA; 17-5, 1 NC MMA.
Please don’t forget to follow the UFC 242 post-fight press conference.
