It was a hot night in Abu Dhabi, and we’re not just talking about the humidity levels that have skyrocketed in the UAE this week. We’re talking about the UFC fighters at Abu Dhabi’s first title fight night, bringing the sport to a whole different level in the region.
The crowd, predominantly filled with Khabib Nurmagomedov supporters, got what they came for and saw the Dagestan fighter crush Dustin Poirier and win by submission via a rear-naked choke hold.
Unfortunately for Poirier, while the American looked good in the first two rounds landing a number of solid strikes, he was outclassed when it came to facing Nurmagomedov’s far superior grappling techniques.
OOOOOOOOH! @DustinPoirier tags the Khabib! #UFC242 pic.twitter.com/c9M7YE8wda
— UFC (@ufc) September 7, 2019
When it came down to releasing himself from Nurmagomedov’s holds, he found himself in the same situation repeatedly throughout the fight, before finally tapping out in the third round.
“At his mauling best in round one!”
The champ is in prime form! #UFC242 pic.twitter.com/T7sIHTmV14
— UFC (@ufc) September 7, 2019
Post fight
” Khabib is the world Champ ”
Dustin Poirier#Khabib #KhabibPoirier pic.twitter.com/pM07K5dapG— Watch This Space (@Humayounpti) September 7, 2019
Khabib successfully defends his title at #UFCAbuDhabi #UFC242#KhabibNurmagomedov def. #DustinPoirier via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 2:06.
Khabib is now on a 12-Fight win streak inside the UFC octagon
— Javier Urquieta (@DeJesusUrquieta) September 7, 2019
Soon after the win Nurmagomedov said: “Everything I am is because of my father. I want to say thank you so much to all of my family, my team, my brothers, my uncles – we have grown up together, we have all done this together. MMA is about respect, this is what we showed tonight. There has been a lot of pressure on me recently, I now need a couple of days rest.”
Total respect! #UFC242 pic.twitter.com/SDPwWlp0Kp
— UFC (@ufc) September 7, 2019
Post fight, a tearful Dustin Poirier said: “I feel like I left myself down. My career was set up for this moment. I was so prepared, I didn’t cut any corners. When I wake up I need to take a look in the mirror; I need some time to learn from this. If this has taught me anything, it’s to be thankful and gracious. I’m sorry if I let anyone down.”
