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By Simon Head
MMA author
The UFC octagon has landed in the desert night, as Abu Dhabi plays host on Saturday into UFC 242.
Because he faces champion Dustin Poirier at a title unification bout, Along with also the all-conquering lightweight world champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is set for the event.
The Russian has published a 27-0 record and recently finished Conor McGregor through submission at UFC 229 in 2018.
Regardless of his record and displays during his UFC career, Nurmagomedov, 30, said he’s taking the challenge of Poirier quite seriously, but confessed as he seems to successfully defend his name, his strategy is no different to his matchups.
“Dustin Poirier’s a very hard competition,” Nurmagomedov mentioned on Wednesday at the UFC 242 open workouts. “I don’t wish to underestimate him. He’s got a lot of expertise. But when I visit the cage, then my strategy is to make him exhausted, make him tap. Here is my plan.”
Nurmagomedov confronts a competitor who believes his crowning moment is represented by their main event matchup as a fighter.
The Poirier, 30 of america, heads to the octagon as the UFC interim champion, having conquered world champion Max Holloway in April and is in the type of his career.
Speaking in the workouts that were open underdog Poirier said he’s ready to prove the doubters wrong.
“I’ve had naysayers my entire life and overcome the chances,” he said.
“I’m just in the present time, appreciative of this opportunity and will not let it slip through my fingers. Capitalise, I’m here to take complete advantage of the and become the world champion.
“I have had lessons in losses and picking myself from the ground. Being undefeated is outstanding. It’s difficult to do against the contest he’s [Nurmagomedov] . However, I’ve learned lessons through trial, via mistake and triumph that he’s never heard. There’s something about picking yourself off the ground time and time again and still chasing your dreams.
“I just can’t be broken. I will not be broken. I’m here to make history.”
Additionally high in the bill from Abu Dhabi are fighters that are high American Paul Felder and Brazilian Edson Barboza, who face each other within an eagerly-anticipated rematch.
This fight does not have any bad blood or trash talk, together with Felder stating fans of martial arts will appreciate their approach – along with the fight.
“That is all about martial arts for me personally,” Felder said in the open workouts.
“It’s because I love everything I do. That Edson is. I guarantee that’s what we’re going to place on display for you guys, a war of martial arts and integrity.”
The two British fighters at several points in their professions are set to face competitions on Saturday.
Scotland’s Joanne Calderwood is seeking to push her promises with success over contender Andrea Lee for a shot at the women title in her 10th UFC competition.
And Manchester lightweight Lerone Murphy will seem to spring a shock when he takes on Nurmagomedov Zubaira Tukhugov on the card.
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