White: Khabib’s subsequent combat vs. Poirier on Sept. 7
Marc RaimondiESPN
The extremely anticipated light-weight title combat between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier has been signed for UFC 242, UFC president Dana White stated Tuesday on SportsCenter.
Nurmagomedov is the undisputed light-weight champion, whereas Poirier is the interim titleholder. UFC 242 is scheduled for Sept. 7 in Abu Dhabi.
Nurmagomedov’s supervisor, Ali Abdelaziz, instructed ESPN Tuesday that his shopper signed a brand new multi-fight take care of the UFC earlier than the Poirier bout was introduced.
Phrases of the deal weren’t disclosed, nevertheless Abdelaziz did say there are particular phrases written into the contract within the occasion Nurmagomedov ever faces former two-weight champion Georges St-Pierre. St-Pierre is retired, however Nurmagomedov and Abdelaziz have continued to specific curiosity within the combat.
Nurmagomedov (27-Zero) is without doubt one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters on this planet. “The Eagle” has by no means misplaced within the UFC, nor actually been threatened contained in the Octagon. Nurmagomedov, 30, has not fought since beating Conor McGregor at UFC 229 final October. The Dagestan, Russia, native was suspended after that bout by the Nevada State Athletic Fee (NSAC) for 9 months for his function in a post-fight melee with McGregor and his group.
Poirier (25-5, 1 NC) is on a six-fight unbeaten streak. The Louisiana native gained the interim title by beating Max Holloway at UFC 236 in April. Poirier, 30, sports activities a 9-1 document (one no contest) since transferring again as much as light-weight in 2015 following a loss to McGregor.
“We now have a tall order in entrance of us, Dustin Poirier is a superb fighter and our major focus,” Abdelaziz stated. “None of those different guys have a assured title shot, apart from Georges St-Pierre. There’s a clause within the contract for that combat. If Georges comes again, we’re preventing Georges and it is already been negotiated.
“This deal is so huge for Khabib, Dana White had to return to his pawn retailer and promote a number of the stuff again he purchased there. That is how huge this deal is. We’re extraordinarily completely happy. It is a truthful deal. And one of many issues Khabib is most completely happy about is his father will be capable of nook him in Abu Dhabi.”
UFC 242 would be the promotion’s first card in Abu Dhabi since 2014.
Abdelaziz additionally instructed ESPN that the UFC has signed Nurmagomedov’s cousin, Abubakar Nurmagomedov, to an unique deal.
Nurmagomedov’s teammate, Zubaira Tukhugov, will even stay beneath contract with the UFC. The Nevada State Athletic Fee not too long ago shortened the lengths of suspensions on Abubakar and Tukhugov for his or her respective roles within the UFC 229 post-fight brawl involving McGregor. Abdelaziz stated each fighters are good candidates to look at UFC 242.
ESPN’s Brett Okamoto contributed to this report.