It looks like Nurmagomedov (27-0 MMA, 11-0 UFC) has a relatively similar strategy against Poirier (25-5 MMA, 17-4 UFC) that has won him 11 straight fights in UFC and 27 fights in his entire MMA career without losing a single one. It revolves around taking his enemies to the ground and using his grappling to get the win.
“Dustin Poirier’s a very tough opponent,” Nurmagomedov said on Wednesday at UFC 242 open workouts. “I don’t want to underestimate him. He has a lot of experience. But when I go to the cage, my plan is make him tired, make him tap. This is my plan.”
Nurmagomedov’s bout with Poirier marks his come back to the octagon after nearly 11 months. Nurmagomedov submitted Conor McGregor at UFC 229 in October but was suspended due to the infamous post-fight brawl.
Now it is clear, Nurmagomedov is looking forward to defending his Lightweight title against the Interim Champ who has been on a hot streak with five-straight victories.
“I want to stay in lightweight division, because I feel I can make this weight,” Nurmagomedov said. “This is my weight, and I don’t want to jump to another division – featherweight or welterweight. I want to stay in this division and defend my title and improve my legacy.”
The fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier will take place on the main card of UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi on September 7.
