Khabib Nurmagomedovhas successfully defended his lightweight championship atUFC242.
Fighting for the first time since defeating Conor McGregor on an unforgettable night last October, Nurmagomedov produced a flawless performance to beat Poirier, forcing the interim champion to tap out via a rear-naked chokehold in the third round.
The Dagestan fighter extends his flawless MMA record to 28 -0 after executing a perfect game plan in the octagon, dominating Poirier with his superior wrestling game in the sweltering heat of Abu Dhabi.
Poirier endured an energy-sapping first round with Nurmagomedov applying relentless pressure, keeping his opponent grounded before ending the round with a flurry of vicious elbows to the head.
The now former interim champion began the second round encouragingly, landing a sharp right hook early on that forced ‘The Eagle’ to retreat.
But after carefully slipping out his opponent’s range, Nurmagomedov superbly countered Poirier’s own submission and locked on the choke that would force the tap.
In scenes similar to those that shocked the world moments after beating McGregor last year, Nurmagomedov rushed across the octagon to scale the cage – this time to celebrate with UFC president Dana White sat in the front row.
On the undercard, Joanne ‘Jojo’ Calderwood secured a hugely impressive victory over Andrea Lee.
The Scottish flyweight, ranked fifth in her division heading into the bout, landed a vicious elbow early on that sent the American to the mat en route to the win.
Having suffered defeat last time out, Calderwood now hauls herself back into the flyweight world title picture, with Valentina Shevchenko currently ruling the (lbs division.)
Manchester fighterLerone Murphymade his UFC debut earlier on, surviving an early onslaught to leave with a hugely impressive split decision draw with Zubaira Tukhugov.
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Khabib Nurmagomedov beats Dustin Poirier via submission
Khabib leaps into the crowd again – but this time to celebrate with Dana White!
Khabib vs Poirier | Round 3
Poirier gets a guillotine locked on but Khabib somehow pops out of it and ties him up once again. It’s outstanding wrestling as usual.
Khabib then gets the rear naked chokehold locked on – and the interim champion taps out!
Khabib vs Poirier | Round 2
Poirier swerves a big knee early and lands a couple of huge hooks that force Khabib to retreat.
Khabib doesn’t panic, however, showing Poirier’s power the respect it deserves and waits for his moment to take him to the ground again.
Poirier has been cut open and it is causing him some trouble, trying to dab it clean while also having the full weight of Khbaib on him. The Dagestan fighter is utterly relentless in there, ending the round with a stiff knee to the mid-section.
Some bright moments for Poirier in there early on, but another round goes to Khabib.
Khabib vs Poirier | Round 1
Khabib catches Poirier’s foot early on after missing a high kick but he just about manages to pull clear before the former can close in.
Khabib then lunges in with a flurry that causes the interim champion to stumble and he can swoop in, trying to lock on a rear-naked chokehold.
Poirier shows that strength of his and rises but Khabib is locked to him, trying to sap his energy early on. Poirier almost switches it cleverly but Khabib reads it beautifully and sticks to him, ending the round with a couple of sharp elbows.
Dominant start from the champion.
“DING DING”)
Khabib vs Poirier
The two touch gloves very respectfully. But that’s enough of that.
HERE WE GO!
Bruce Buffer has introduced the fighters with his typical subtle touch. We are ready.
Dustin Poirier jogs down to the octagon, looking cool and relaxed as he waits for the champion.
It’s almost time.
Undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov comes up against Dustin Poirier. It’s champ vs champ in a few minutes.
Felder gets the win! Barboza’s camp looked convinced their man was getting the win but the scores ( – 30, 29 – 28, 30 – 27) are in favor of the Irish Dragon.
Paul Felder vs Edson Barboza | Round 3
Felder is probably trailing entering the final round and goes to work like a man who knows it, throwing harder and with more accuracy.
Barboza lands a takedown just before the horn – this one is going to the judges.
Paul Felder vs Edson Barboza | Round 2
Felder has leveled things up , opening up a nasty cut on Barboza with a vicious elbow.
Barboza is on top of him but Felder tries to lock in the arm bar – an unsuccessful attempt with the former picking him up and dropping him.
The two rise to trade again and continue to throw – but still not much between them as we enter the final round.
Paul Felder vs Edson Barboza | Round 1
Both men showing bad intentions for the start, throwing hard and heavy.
There’s a stoppage after an accidental clash of heads with Felder leaning in – opening him up in the process. A jab from Barboza has also done some damage with blood trickling from Felder’s nose.
NEXT UP
Next up tonight, Paul Felder meets Edson Barboza
Makhachev vs Davi Ramos | Round 3
Makhachev lands a great uppercut followed by a stinging jab right on the nose. He follows that up with a superb knee that sends Ramos to the mat with Makhachev following him to ground and pound.
Ramos does well to avoid the worst of it but is grounded for most of the round.He launches one ambitious spinning kick right before the bell, but he connects with thin air.
Makhachev vs Davi Ramos | Round 2
Makhachev lands a hook early on but this time it prompts Ramos to surge forward with a flurry of punches – but none that cause any serious problems.
Makhachev has found his range well here and is landing regularly and takes another round. Ramos needs to try something else.
Makhachev vs Davi Ramos | Round 1
Makhachev is getting inside early , landing a couple of heavy shots including a heavy uppercut that delights the sizeable Russian contingent in the crowd.
A bit cautious so far from Ramos.
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