UFC 242 RESULTS | KHABIB VS POIRIER SCORECARD

Fight Information: Khabib vs POIRIER

At UFC 242, held on September 8, 2019, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Khabib Nurmagomedov defended his lightweight title against Dustin Poirier. Khabib secured a victory through a third-round submission via a rear-naked choke. The fight showcased Khabib’s dominant grappling and control, ultimately forcing Poirier to tap out at 2:06 of Round 3. This win reinforced Khabib’s reputation as one of the top fighters in the UFC, extending his undefeated record to 28-0.

Dustin Poirier

Dustin Poirier’s career is marked by evolution and resilience. Poirier made his UFC debut in 2011 and quickly established himself as a formidable featherweight contender with wins over Josh Grispi, Pablo Garza, and Max Holloway. Despite setbacks against Chan Sung Jung and Cub Swanson, Poirier’s perseverance led him to move up to the lightweight division.

As a lightweight, Poirier found a resurgence in his career. His technical striking and improved grappling led him to victories over fighters like Carlos Diego Ferreira, Yancy Medeiros, and Jim Miller. The turning point came with his wins over top contenders like Anthony Pettis, Justin Gaethje, and Eddie Alvarez, showcasing his ability to withstand punishment and deliver precise, powerful strikes.

Poirier’s rise culminated in his interim title victory over Max Holloway, where he utilized his boxing skills and cardiovascular endurance to secure a unanimous decision. Known for his heart and determination, Poirier’s career illustrates his continuous improvement and unrelenting pursuit of greatness.

Why did Khabib and Poirier Fight?

Mixed martial arts fans worldwide were eagerly anticipating the high-stakes matchup between Khabib “The Eagle” Nurmagomedov and Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier. The fight was set to unify the UFC Lightweight Championship, a title held by both fighters due to interim and reigning statuses.

Background and Context:

Khabib Nurmagomedov, hailing from Dagestan, Russia, was undefeated and known for his unparalleled wrestling and ground game. His combat sambo background and relentless pressure had led him to victories over notable opponents including Conor McGregor, Edson Barboza, and Rafael dos Anjos. At UFC 229, Khabib defeated McGregor in a historic bout that further solidified his dominance in the division.

Dustin Poirier, meanwhile, was riding a wave of momentum. The American fighter had earned his interim title by defeating Max Holloway at UFC 236. Known for his grit, striking accuracy, and endurance, Poirier’s victories over Anthony Pettis, Justin Gaethje, and Eddie Alvarez showcased his evolution and adaptability in the octagon.

Significance of the Fight:

This fight was not just a contest for unification; it was a clash of styles and spirits. Khabib’s ground control and wrestling against Poirier’s striking and resilience posed questions that fans and analysts were eager to see answered. Additionally, there were wider implications for the lightweight division’s hierarchy and future matchups.

Sig. Strikes By Position

KHABIB

Poirier

Khabib vs Poirier full fight Overview

Round 1:

From the onset, Khabib implemented his game plan, closing the distance and securing a takedown early in the round. Poirier attempted to scramble and use his hips to create space, but Khabib’s positioning and pressure were too formidable. Khabib dished out calculated ground and pound, keeping Poirier defensively minded and unable to execute any meaningful offensive maneuvers.

Round 2:

Poirier found moments of success in the second round, landing striking combinations that briefly backed Khabib towards the cage. Poirier’s accurate punches landed cleanly, and for a moment, it seemed he might turn the tide. However, Khabib soon countered with his grappling prowess, taking Poirier down again and asserting dominance on the ground. Poirier’s most significant effort came from an attempted guillotine choke which momentarily had Khabib in a precarious position, but Khabib’s composure and technique allowed him to escape and resume ground control.

Round 3:

The third round mirrored the grappling intensity seen in prior rounds. Khabib secured another early takedown and consistently worked to improve his position. Poirier, visibly fatigued, struggled to fend off the relentless pressure. The exhaustion, combined with Khabib’s unyielding assault, left few openings for Poirier to mount any considerable defense. Eventually, Khabib secured a rear-naked choke and forced Poirier to tap at 2:06 of the third round.

Official Result: Poirier vs Khabib 

Winner: Khabib Nurmagomedov by submission

The official result declared Khabib Nurmagomedov the winner via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:06 of the third round. Khabib’s victory extended his undefeated record to 28-0 and solidified his reign as the undisputed UFC Lightweight Champion.

Poirier’s valiant effort was acknowledged, and his interim title run cemented his position as one of the top contenders in the division. The fight underscored Khabib’s unparalleled grappling skills and endurance, making a compelling case for his status as one of the greatest lightweight fighters in MMA history.

The judges’ scorecards reflected Khabib’s dominance, with all three judges scoring the first two rounds in his favor before the bout ended in the third. Poirier’s glimpses of success showed his potential, but Khabib’s strategic execution proved too overwhelming.

Conclusion

UFC 242’s main event between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier delivered a fascinating display of martial arts skill, strategy, and heart. The fight further cemented Khabib’s legacy as an unrivaled champion and showcased Poirier’s resilience and fighting spirit.

Khabib’s mastery on the ground epitomized his unbeaten run and defensive capabilities. Poirier’s performance, despite the loss, highlighted his skillset and tenacity, ensuring his place among the lightweight elite.

Ultimately, the event showcased the pinnacle of mixed martial arts, captivating fans worldwide and setting the stage for future enticing matchups in the UFC’s lightweight division.