Khabib predicts a duel against Poirier: 'I'll do the same as I did with McGregor'

k. Nurmagomedov (left) and D. Poirier (right) facing each other. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube UFC

The lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg.), Khabib Nurmagomedov, seems to have no secrets about the plans drawn up to defeat Dustin poirier in a fight valid for the unification of the category title, on September 7th, for UFC 242. According to the Russian, his strategy will be the same as that used when defeating Conor McGregor in October last year, where he maintained the category title. The statement was made in a recent interview with 'MMA Fighting'.

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“Do you remember what I did in my last fight? Nothing changed. I will do this in Abu Dhabi (headquarters of UFC 242) also. I'm going to defend my title, but without jumping out of the Octagon”, joked the Russian, referring to the confusion caused after UFC 229, when the athlete, after submitting Conor McGregor, jumped the containment bars and tried to attack a member of the Irishman's team.

Unlike his last clash, Khabib is in a different situation today. When he faced Conor, the promotion of the event was built on controversies and offenses on the part of the two athletes, generating a rivalry that, in some situations, went beyond the limits of the sport. Against Poirier, the Russian has maintained a certain cordiality, although he is confident of victory over his new rival.

“Dustin is a tough guy. He has more than 20 fights for the UFC. He is experienced. Honestly, I thought Max (Holloway) would beat him. This was a surprise for me. He has good boxing and good footwork, but in his last six fights he has only faced athletes who fight standing up. He’s never faced a wrestler like me,” said Nurmagomedov.

Khabib and his team's plans are no secret. The athlete confirmed what he intends to do to have another successful defense in maintaining his title.

“I think it's going to be a complicated night for him. That's my opinion, because he has to be ready. I'm going to take him to the ground all night, tire him out and then force him to tap out,” said the champion.

With each performance, the Russian has shown that he is an athlete ready to become one of the most important names in the history of MMA. At 30 years old, Khabib, who has been in the UFC since 2012, has already played on 27 occasions and has never been defeated.

Poirier, 30, fought on 30 occasions, winning 25, suffered four setbacks and had one fight without result.