Dustin Poirier Feeling Confident Ahead Of UFC 242 Main Event
Dustin Poirier is taking on the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 242 in September. Not only does he see himself beating Khabib, but he thinks he will stop the Russian.
Poirier has made a massive career turnaround in recent years. Since moving up to lightweight, he has looking incredible. Subsequently, he was put into an interim title fight against the featherweight champion Max Holloway. Despite Holloway being a highly regarded champion, Porier’s size and speed was too much, resulting in a unanimous decision victory.
Now, Poirier is looking to unify his lightweight strap against undisputed champ Khabib Nurmagomdeov. Khabib is coming off a victory over Conor McGregor. However he had to serve a suspension, for jumping the cage after the fight, inciting a brawl. Thus, the interim title bout was made, to keep to ever stacked lightweight division moving.
Ahead of the fight, Dustin Poirier spoke to MMAJunkie about his training for this fight. He has an air of confidence about him, that is palpable. When asked about how the fight will go, he gave a bold answer.
” keep going back and forth. I feel like I can submit Khabib, but feel like I’m going to stop him. I don’t know how it’s going to happen, but I’m either going to knock him out or I’m going to submit him. I’m going to finish Khabib Nurmagomedov.”
Poirier continues, explain what the preparation has been like for this fight.
“It’s putting everything together, trying to be the best fighter (and) the best person that I can be. Walking into the octagon Sept. 7, I know I need to be at my best. It’s going to take all of me. It’s going to take all of this preparation done the right way to beat Khabib. I understand that.
I’m going to do something that’s never been done and I’m treating it that way. This is history. I’m about to make history.”
Dustin was asked about the obvious danger of Khabib’s top game.
“Of course, it’s a huge danger. I don’t want this guy to get on top of me and start pulling away with rounds. We only have five of them. If you let a guy lay on you for three, you need a finish. That’s not what I’m trying to do in there.
I’m not worried about his takedowns so much. I need to hurt this guy. That’s a huge part of this training camp. Putting myself in good positions to win the rounds and win the fight. Staying off the fence. Getting up off the ground. But, at the same time, I need to do what I do.”
Who do you think walks away with the lightweight title at UFC 242, Dustin Poirier or Khabib Nurmagomedov?
