The UFC 242 main event was a dominating performance by the champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, defeating Dustin Poirier via third-round submission.
UFC 242 was the backdrop for one of the biggest UFC lightweight bouts of all-time. Khabib Nurmagomedov is the 155-pound champion and is considered one of the greatest lightweights of all-time. The undefeated Dagestan fighter earned the title by defeating Al Iaquinta. Nurmagomedov would then defend the title against Irish superstar Conor McGregor, defeating McGregor in the fourth round by submission. However, Nurmagomeov would then be suspended for jumping out of the cage and brawling with McGregor’s team following the victory.
In Nurmgomedov’s absence, Dustin Poirier became the interim lightweight champion. Wins over Eddie Alvarez, Justin Gaethje and Anthony Pettis lead to Poirier getting the opportunity to challenge featherweight champion Max Holloway for the interim lightweight crown at UFC 236 in April. Poirier would come out on top over the featherweight champion, and secure a bout with Nurmagomedov at UFC 242 to become the undisputed lightweight king.
The first minute of the fight was Poirier trying to find his range, landing a few calf kicks. However, Khabib would quickly throw a flurry and look for the takedown. Khabib would land the single-leg and get to the back, where Khabib would look for the neck-crank. However, Poirier would fight out of the submission and briefly get back to his feet, not for long, however, as Khabib would take him down again. Khabib dominated the first round, landing a lot of shots at the end of the first round in full mount before the horn sounded.
Poirier came out throwing heavy shots in the first minute, throwing everything and the kitchen sink at Khabib. Khabib slipped shots nicely, however he did absorb a couple of kicks to the body. Khabib responded to the pressure by landing a slam takedown on Poirier. Khabib would land a few elbows, including one that opened up Poirier, a cut above his eye. Poirer would return to his feet, however, he still got dominated in the clinch for the duration of round two.
Khabib would then shoot for a takedown in the opening seconds of the third round, Poirer would respond with a deep guillotine attempt. Khabib was rolling every single way possible to get out of the choke, and he eventually got out. Khabib then transitioned to the back, and got the arm under the chin, and got the choke! What a win by Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Khabib Nurmagomedov def. Dustin Poirier via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in Round 3 (2:06)
