Why are we asking you to sign in? Find out more here
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy .
Why are we asking you to sign in? Find out more here
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy .
UFC announce September title defence for lightweight champion Khabib
AFTER AN 11-MONTH absence, the UFC’s lightweight champion will return to action on 7 September.
The organisation has confirmed that Khabib Nurmagomedov (27-0) will take on Dustin Poirier (25-5) in the headline bout at UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi.
Nurmagomedov’s last appearance in the octagon resulted in the undefeated Russian recording a fourth-round submission victory over Conor McGregor in October 2018.
The 30-year-old was later handed a nine-month suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for sparking a brawl in the aftermath of the Las Vegas bout.
During the champion’s lay-off, Poirier won an interim lightweight title by ending the 13-fight win streak of reigning featherweight title-holder Max Holloway in April.
After suffering a featherweight defeat to Conor McGregor in September 2014, Poirier moved up a weight class and has thrived in the 155-pound division. He counts former lightweight champions Anthony Pettis and Eddie Alvarez among his most notable victories.
However, the 30-year-old American will need to pull off a sizeable upset if he’s to become the first man to inflict defeat on Nurmagomedov.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
CONFIRMED Dustin Poirier Khabib Nurmagomedov MMA UFC UFC 242