Javier Mendez, Nurmagomedov’s coach at American Kickboxing Academy, recently announced on Instagram that he was “excited to start camp” for a “very tough challenge” in Poirier. UFC 242 will take place in Abu Dhabi as part of an agreement to hold an event in the United Emirates Capital for the next five years, with each event featuring a championship bout.
Nurmagomedov will be making his first Octagon appearance since UFC 229, when he submitted Conor McGregor in the fourth round before sparking a post-fight brawl by jumping out of the cage to attack Dillon Danis. The 30-year-old Dagestani is 27-0 as a professional, a record that includes 11 triumphs in the UFC.
Poirier, meanwhile, earned a shot at Nurmagomedov by defeating Max Holloway for the interim 155-pound belt at UFC 236. “The Diamond” has lost just once in 11 appearances since moving to lightweight.
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