K. Nurmagomedov (photo) is scared, but guarantees weight and title unification against J. Gaethje in the UFC 254. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Moments of tension for the lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg). One of the protagonists of UFC 254, which takes place this Saturday (24), in Abu Dhabi, Khabib Nurmagomedov caused apprehension at the official weigh-in of the event. The Russian had to take off all his clothes, but managed to reach the established limit, guaranteeing the unification of the title against Justin gaethje. After the measurements, all fights were confirmed.
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With a history of difficulties with the scales, Khabib was the first fighter to present himself at the testing site. With a downcast expression, the champion showed concern and needed the help of the towel to avoid failing in his obligation. After seconds of tension, the result. The 'Eagle' weighed 70,3kg. and is ready for confrontation. After the announcement, the athlete put his hands to his face and breathed a sigh of relief.
Responsible for trying to make history this Saturday and inflicting the first defeat in Nurmagomedov's career, Justin gaethje He didn't have the same problem as his opponent. Owner of the interim title, the North American, who could not use the pound (454g.) of tolerance, secured the same 70,3kg. from Russian.
Immediate reserve, in case something unforeseen happens to Khabib or Gaethje, the newcomer Michael chandler it also had to go through the dehydration process. Former Bellator champion, the athlete was also within the limit established by the commission, weighing 70,3kg.
In the co-main fight, Jared Cannonier e Robert whittaker They had no problems with the scale. The athletes, who face each other in a confrontation that could guarantee the next challenger to the Israel adesanya, passed the challenge without any problems. The North American secured 83,9kg, while the champion weighed 84,3kg.
Only flaws
The only Brazilian to perform at the weekend's show, Alex Cowboy ended up failing to make the weight cut. The fighter from Três Rios (RJ), who agreed to the fight at the last minute, weighed around 900g. above the limit allowed in the welterweight division, with 78,4kg., and will have to pay 20% of his purse to his opponent, Shavkat Rakhmonov, which weighed 77,5kg.
One of those responsible for opening Saturday's card, Joel Álvarez was another person who failed to pass the scale challenge. Representative of the lightweight division, the athlete greatly exceeded the category limit, weighing more than 1,5kg. above what is permitted. The athlete weighed 72,5kg, while his rival, Alexander Yakovlev, weighed 70,5kg.
Check out the weights for UFC 254
MAIN CARD
Light weight (up to 70,3kg.)*: Khabib Nurmagomedov (70,3kg) x Justin gaethje (70,3kg) – Fight for title unification
Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Robert whittaker (84,4kg) x Jared Cannonnier (83,9kg)
Heavy weight (up to 120,2kg): Alexander Volkov (120,2kg) x Walt Harris (115,2kg)
Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Jacob Malkoun (84,4kg) x phil hawes (84,4kg)
Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Lauren Murphy (57,2kg) x Liliya Shakirova (57,2kg)
Light heavyweight (up to 93kg): Magomed Ankalayev (93,2kg) x Ion cutelaba (93,2kg)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Heavy weight (up to 120,2kg): Stefan struve (120,2kg) x Tai tuivasa (120,2kg)
Married weight (up to 63,5kg): Casey kenney (63,5kg) x Nathaniel Wood (63,5kg)
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Alex Cowboy (78,5kg)* x Shavkat Rakhmonov (77,6kg)
Light heavyweight (up to 93kg): Sam alvey (93,4kg) x Da Un Jung (93,4kg)
Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Liana Jojua (57,2kg) x Miranda maverick (57,2kg)
Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Joel alvarez (72,3kg)* x Alexander Yakovlev (70,5kg)
*They did not make the respective weights in their categories and must pass on a percentage of their purses to their opponents
**In non-belt fights, all fighters have a pound (454g) tolerance over the weights of their respective divisions.
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