With a linear title dream, Poirier is inspired by Rocky Balboa to beat Khabib

D. Poirier (photo) after UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook DustinPoirier)

The interim lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg), Dustin poirier, is close to having the biggest fight of his career. This Saturday (7), the fighter will face the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov in a valid fight for the unification of the category title. Aware of the difficulties he will face, the American compared his task to that of Rocky Balboa, a fictional character who travels to Russia to face the dangerous Ivan Drago. The statement was made in a recent interview with UFC.

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“I'm going to face Khabib (Nurmagomedov), a guy who has never been beaten, considered one of the best in the world. I'm crossing the desert for this, in hostile territory, where he will have the public with him. But that's been the story of my entire life, being the underdog in a fight. But every underdog has his day. It's like the story of a Rocky Balboa movie. I can go out there, against all odds, and show the person I am, the fighter I am. Represent me and my family. And I have this opportunity to make history and I’m going to grab it with all my strength”, said the athlete.

The film in question is the fourth in the 'Rocky' franchise. In the plot, the heavyweight champion travels to Russia to face Ivan Drago and try to avenge the death of his former rival and friend, Apollo Creed. In his opponent's country, Balboa has to face, in addition to an opponent with frightening physical strength, a cold climate, as well as a hostile public. In the end, the 'Italian Stallion', after a tough fight, manages to overcome adversity and defeat Drago by knockout.

Although Khabib is the clear favorite for the fight, Dustin, in order to challenge for the title, went through complicated challenges. The athlete comes from four convincing victories over very qualified opponents. The last of them, Max Holloway, current featherweight champion (up to 65,7kg.), who moved up to lightweight to try to win the division's interim belt.

“After the results in my last fights, I am sure that, by beating Khabib, I will not only become the best lightweight in the world, but also the greatest lightweight to have put on a four-ounce glove in history,” he said. the North American.

Confident of victory, Dustin, however, is fully aware of what is to come in this Saturday's main fight. The fighter knows his opponent well, who is undefeated in his career and is known for his sharp wrestling.

“I expect a tough fight. I think he's going to try to play at close range, press me against the fence. That's what he does to everyone. But I have what it takes to beat him”, concluded Poirier.

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