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Announcing Bet Nurmagomedov vs. Poirier UFC 242

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UFC 242: Nurmagomedov vs. Poirier
  • Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and interim 155-pound heavy-hitter Dustin Poirier step in the Octagon for a long-awaited fight.
  • The main card also includes two highly anticipated fights between Edson Barboza vs. Paul Felder and Islam Makhachev vs. Davi Ramos

In the aftermath of Nurmagomedov vs. McGregor, UFC 242 is probably the most anticipated show of 2019. Even if it doesn’t include the antics of Conor McGregor, the fight between Nurmagomedov and Poirier has been a long time coming. Read on to get the analysis on UFC 242.

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Dustin Poirier

  • When: Saturday September 7
  • Where: The Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
  • UFC Odds: Khabib Nurmagomedov -385 vs. Dustin Poirier +295

Analysis: From the time Khabib defeated McGregor last October, everyone wanted to know who “The Eagle” was to fight. It was a relief to find out the UFC set up this fight based on merit and not on dollars.

Poirier hasn’t made a name for himself yet among the UFC’s superstars, but he’s arguably the best opponent for Khabib at this time.

There’s no denying Khabib’s talents and abilities as a fighter, he hasn’t been defeated yet. Though he’s more of a wrestler, what he’s done to improve his striking skills has improved his game. However, he’ll probably follow a tried-and-true game plan that’s worked well for him, take his opponent to the ground and smash him.

Poirier is unpredictable, and he’s happy to stay on his feet or to take things to the ground. Nevertheless, against Khabib’s wrestling skills he’s probably better off sticking to boxing and looks for that knockout punch.

The problem I see with Poirier, though, is that he takes a lot of punishment in the striking game. He took some severe damage against Anthony Pettis, Eddie Alvarez, Justin Gaethje, and Max Holloway. And, he was also knocked out by McGregor and Michael Johnson. Not that he can’t take it, as he won the four fights against said opponents, but it wasn’t pretty.

This fight will probably go the distance, it’s going to take a lot of cardio from both fighters to get through each round. I see it coming down to who runs down first, and if Khabib shells out everything he’s got in the first rounds, Poirier may surprise us all.

Pick: Khabib by submission in the fourth.

Edson Barboza vs. Paul Felder

  • UFC Odds: Felder +130 vs. Barboza -160

Analysis: Not that these two aren’t great fighters in their own right, but I don’t see this as a particularly exciting bout. Barboza and Felder have already fought previously with the former claiming a clear decision win.

However, Felder has come a long way since then, and he’s likely to fare better than he did the first time around. Barboza has also declined and has a few losses that would put away a lot of fighters for good.

Felder is a better fighter now, and he seems to have improved on all fronts of his fighting skills. I believe Felder can win this time around.

Pick: Felder via TKO in the second round.

Islam Makhachev vs. Davi Ramos

  • UFC Odds: Ramos +240 vs. Mackhachev -310

Analysis: Makhachev is a beast, and I believe he’s one of the best fighters out there at 155lbs. The problem is, he hasn’t had the opportunity to prove himself yet. This fight will be a great test for Makhachev, especially if he can beat Ramos on the ground.

Makhachev is part of Khabib’s crew but is more aggressive on the ground than Khabib, so you can expect this fight to be a great show of wrestling skills.

Ramos is no joke, however, and he’s arguably one of the best grapplers out there. Ramos is on a four-fight win streak that includes three rear-naked choke wins that he made look easy.

I think Makhachev has the advantage if he keeps the fight on his feet, and even if things do go to the floor, Makhachev can defend himself well.

Pick: Makhachev via unanimous decision.

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