Khabib Nuragomedov did what he does best at UFC 242: blanket opponents via stifling grappling before finishing them off.
When it came right down to it, it was the main event of UFC 242 that fans were tuning in for. Edson Barboza vs. Paul Felder 2 turned out to be a fantastic battle between two fan favorites. Curtis Blaydes reminded everyone he was a top heavyweight. It was Khabib Time, however, that fans wanted to see. That, and whether Dustin Poirier might end “the streak.”
He didn’t. The streak kept rolling right along, as Khabib Nurmagomedov shook at a second-round volley from Poirier, and stormed back in the third, taking Poirier down and submitting him.
The heat may have been a factor. A guillotine attempt by Poirier which likely burned out his arms probably had a role to play as well. As for the champ, well, it was a fight not far from his performance against Conor McGregor. Only this time, when Khabib scaled the octagon wall following his win, it was to hug UFC President Dana White.
Fair enough. Khabib, after a nine-month suspension for his antics at UFC 229, has at picked up where he left off. He’ll have a ton of momentum heading into a fight with Tony Ferguson, which is the only fight to make at this point.
The win, of course, had everyone talking, including Khabub’s peers. See the pros react to the UFC 242 main event below!
Who you got?
2️⃣7️⃣ have tried. 2️⃣7️⃣ have failed.@TeamKhabib looks to stay atop of the lightweight mountain at #UFC242!
📺 Watch LIVE on @BTSport Box Office: https://t.co/gOlWFDyb6p pic.twitter.com/PDJoYlx3xQ
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) September 7, 2019
I really wanna put money on Khabib but Poirier scares the hell out of me.
Let's gooooooo!!!
#ChampvsChamp #UFC242— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) September 7, 2019
Who wins this one you think?
— michael (@bisping) September 7, 2019
Who do you have winning this fight? @TeamKhabib or @DustinPoirier? @ufc pic.twitter.com/n6raTZWZYp
— Mark Muñoz (@mark_munoz) September 7, 2019
💎 vs. 🦅
I’m going with diamond. Who you got??— Devin Powell (@DevinPowellMMA) September 7, 2019
It’s time!
Damn Dustin is just giving his back up way too easy. Khabib is a monster in the clinch.
— Gerald Harris (@GHurricane) September 7, 2019
10-8 😂
— Sam Alvey (@smilensam) September 7, 2019
Looks like Poirier hurt his foot on a kick! He was doing real well up until then. Khabib got a takedown and now Khabib maul on top.
— Mark Muñoz (@mark_munoz) September 7, 2019
28-0!
Damn! 28-0! #UFC242
— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) September 7, 2019
If I had that neck like that it be a wrap
— Brian Ortega (@BrianTcity) September 7, 2019
Khabib takes judges out of the equation. He’s a calculated steamroller. #UFC242 #smesh
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) September 7, 2019
I think once Khabib escaped the guillotine it was a wrap. Gave all he had to that
— Jimmy Smith (@jimmysmithmma) September 7, 2019
Many have tried , none have succeeded . Watching Khabib fights are amazing . The calmness , the control , the ability to break his opponent’s will to compete is outright fascinating #UFC242
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) September 7, 2019
Damn Khabib made him quit! Beast.
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) September 7, 2019
Woww!!!
Absolute complete and total domination by Khabib tonight! He's an absolute monster in that cage. Smothering and violent from start to finish.
What an incredible atmosphere in Abu Dhabi 👏🏻👏🏻 #ufc242
Enter Tony Ferguson…
— Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) September 7, 2019
Dustin you are still a diamond. Nice to see respect between both Champs @DustinPoirier @TeamKhabib 🙏🏽 Until next time Abu Dhabi @ufc #ufc242 #UFCAbuDhabi
— Alex Chambers (@alexchambersmma) September 7, 2019
Respect is the way to go! That should sell more then trash talk! 👊🏽
— Douglas Lima (@PhenomLima) September 7, 2019
Khabib is really good#UFC242
— Austin Arnett (@AustinArnettMMA) September 7, 2019
How good is Al Iaquinta?? Sorry, but I had to say what “everyone” else was thinking! 💪🏾 #UFC242!
— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) September 7, 2019
@DustinPoirier keep your head up buddy! You’re amazing!!! 💎 #UFC242
— Tatiana Suarez (@tatianaufc) September 7, 2019
Nothing but respect to you @DustinPoirier!!!
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) September 7, 2019
What a fight! @TeamKhabib What a beautiful performance! #UFCAbuDhabi
— Max Griffin (@MaxPainGriffin) September 7, 2019
Quite the Pair
They switched shirts 😍😍 Great sportsmanship 👏🏽 #UFC242
— Tatiana Suarez (@tatianaufc) September 7, 2019
And #NEW GSP
Khabib is the new GSP.
he is 5 years ahead of everybody.— Olivier Aubin (@oliaubin) September 7, 2019
Absolute must
Khabib VS Tony
— Ramsey Nijem (@RamseyNijem) September 7, 2019
